Air, Air pollution, Quality, Internal, Buildings, Chemical analysis and testing, Determination of content, Gas analysis, Polychlorinated biphenyls, Halogenated benzenoid hydrocarbons, Aromatic hydrocarbons, Test specimens, Sampling methods

This Special Issue aims to make a concrete technical contribution to the solution of the various problems related to indoor air pollution. In 11 papers, international scientists report the last findings in this field from different points of view including topics such as the IAQ legislation, the role of IAQ in schools, hospitals and (micro)environments in general, the performance of an olfactometer system or the impact of an indoor malodor, BTEX measures in a Fire Station, and a chemical characterization of e-cigarette (e-cig) refill liquids (e-liq). It seems appropriate to encourage the development of reference values or specific action values in order to better manage particularly problematic situations in these environments. In the absence of national references to be used for a comparison, it is possible to use those reported in the legislation of other European countries or, by ad hoc working groups or by analogy, to use other standards such as those relating to ambient air.

This interdisciplinary guide offers background, research findings, and practical strategies for assessing and improving air quality in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Positing good air quality as critical to patient and staff well-being, it identifies disease-carrying microbes, pollutants, and other airborne toxins and their health risks, and provides localized interventions for reducing transmission of pathogens. Effective large-scale approaches to air quality control are also outlined, from green building materials to hygienic HVAC and air treatment practices. Its thoroughness of coverage makes this book a vital resource for professionals involved in every aspect of health service facilities, from planning and construction to maintenance and management. Among the topics covered: Existing guidelines in indoor air quality: the case study of hospital environments Hospital environments and epidemiology of healthcare-associated infections Analysis of microorganisms in hospital environments and potential risks Legionella indoor air contamination in healthcare environments HVAC system design in healthcare facilities and control of aerosol contaminants Assessment of indoor air quality in inpatient wards Indoor Air Quality in Healthcare Facilities imparts up-to-date expertise to a variety of professional readers, including hospitals' technical and management departments, healthcare facilities' chief medical officers, hospital planners, sport and thermal building designers, public health departments, and students of universities and schools of hygiene.