This month’s journal discusses how air conditioning has affected modern medicine. We have previously discussed why air conditioning, IAQ and temperature control is important in care and nursing homes. Now, we explore its need in other medical environments such as research laboratories, hospitals, clinics, dentists and doctors’ surgeries.
Modern medicine could not have developed without the help of air conditioning. A lot of the medications that are widely used today are developed in laboratories with temperature-sensitive tools and equipment. HVAC provides purified air with comfortable cooling and heating settings.
HVAC plays an important role in healthcare. Hospitals aren’t the only medical facilities that depend on HVAC systems to keep the public safe and healthy. Functioning HVAC systems are also vital to research laboratories and pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, where rigorous temperature and air quality control are crucial for developing medical treatments.
Large hospitals have to manage to prevent the spread of airborne pathogens that may be resistant to antibiotic treatment. Infection in healthcare facilities is a well-known issue: the higher presence of contagious pathogens increases the risk of nosocomial infections, which is the term used to describe infections acquired during hospitalisation. Through filter testing and the use of adequate filters for each space, these issues can be managed effectively.
Many other laboratories handle a range of toxic chemicals, combustible substances, flammable solvents, harmful organisms, obnoxious vapours and so on. Various control measures are necessary to make laboratories a safe and comfortable workplace.
This requirement applies at every stage of the process, from the research and development of new medicines to their production and packaging. The air conditioning system keeps the air at the correct constant temperature, while also protecting it from airborne contamination and pollutants. The system creates a stable and consistent environment for laboratory air conditioning for accurate testing.
Each of the following areas has its own heating, cooling and air quality requirements:
- Office and lobby spaces
- Pharmaceutical research facilities
- Surgical arenas
- MRI suites
- CT scan rooms
- EEG and other testing areas
- Patient rooms
HVAC systems are designed to create controlled pressure differentials between various areas within a pharmaceutical facility. This helps prevent cross-contamination by ensuring that air flows from clean to less clean areas, maintaining the integrity of the manufacturing processes.
In conclusion, the importance of HVAC in hospitals and medical research environments cannot be overstated.
From infection control and patient comfort to regulatory compliance and emergency preparedness, a well-designed and properly maintained HVAC system is crucial for the overall success and effectiveness of healthcare facilities.
That said, if you want to learn more about this subject or are looking for HVAC expertise consider reaching out to our team today.
