IAQ in Hospitals

Is your hospital safe?

Hospitals are supposed to be places of healing, but hidden air pollution can pose a threat. Studies suggest a sneeze can release anywhere from 40,000 to 100,000 germs into the air. This risk extends beyond vulnerable patients with compromised immune systems, encompassing visitors and other hospital staff as well. The threat is real, irrespective of the size of the hospital, and the number of patients it can occupy. Hospitals, by their very nature, become a melting pot of illnesses. Patients with a diverse range of conditions, both contagious and non-contagious, come together for treatment. The main concern is, Contagious diseases might spread among people in the hospital and hence lead to increase in the number of patients, and such diseases are called Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs). Behind every hospital smile, a silent fear: the fear of invisible foes - airborne infections, exploiting the cracks in our medical armor.

HAIs are estimated to affect 1 in 10 patients globally.

Infections can spread through various parts of the hospital, during surgeries, ventilations, cafeterias etc. A major part of these infections is Airborne Hospital Acquired Infections. These are a particular type of infection that patients contract within a healthcare setting, transmitted through microscopic organisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi spread via the air. Invisible assassins lurk in hospital air, stealing health and prolonging stays. Now these microscopic organisms might lead to spread of a variety of diseases, from common cough and cold to, Measles, Tuberculosis, Chickenpox etc.

Airborne Germs in a Sneeze

The notorious tuberculosis (TB) bacteria, a global threat, spreads through coughs and sneezes, causing lung infections and claiming millions of lives yearly.

Measles virus causes fever, rash, and respiratory symptoms. Despite the availability of a vaccine, outbreaks still occur, particularly among unvaccinated individuals.

Influenza virus is highly contagious, causing fever, cough, and muscle aches.

Aspergillus spp can cause aspergillosis, a lung infection, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.