Assessment of thermal comfort and indoor air quality in an operating theatre environment

D'Avila, Lucas; Feliciano, Manuel; Agustini, Márcia; Baptista, Paula; Ribeiro, Thayane Walkovitz; Domingues, Maria de Fátima; Pereira, Ermelinda

http://hdl.handle.net/10198/29197

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Authors

Ribeiro, Thayane Walkovitz

Domingues, Maria de Fátima

Pereira, Ermelinda

Abstract(s)

The indoor air quality (IAQ) is essential for human comfort and health. This study aimed at assessing physical, chemical and biological parameters in the IAQ of an operating theatre. Particulate matter (PM) was measured by the TSI optical particle sizer and physical and gaseous chemical IAQ parameters were measured using the GrayWolf IQ610 probe. Airborne microbial levels were evaluated by direct impaction to the culture media. The lowest pollutants concentrations, bioaerosols and gaseous contaminants were observed in surgery rooms and the highest in the transfer zone and antechamber. The mechanical ventilation proved to be a determining factor on the pollutant’s distribution. It was also found a strong correlation between PM and bacteria (R2 = 0.81) and fungi (R2 = 0.95) levels. The relative humidity has shown unfavourable levels to assure proper thermal comfort. Factors such as cleaning frequency, occupancy rate and especially the HVAC system significantly influenced the evaluated parameters.

Keywords

Indoor air quality IAQ Operating room Bacteria Fungi Particulate matter

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10198/29197

Citation

D'Avila, Lucas; Feliciano, Manuel; Agustini, Márcia; Baptista, Paula; Ribeiro, Thayane Walkovitz; Domingues, Maria de Fátima; Pereira, Ermelinda (2022). Assessment of thermal comfort and indoor air quality in an operating theatre environment. Progress in Industrial Ecology. An International Journal. ISSN 1476-8917. 15:2-4, p.183-205