Ventilation
controlled through a heating system. Using one system, operators can ensure that each room is at a suitable temperature while maintaining a steady flow of fresh, clean air when required. The air is pulled into the room mechanically and passed over the heat exchanger in the radiator, which displaces stale air and pushes it up towards a linked extraction fan that pulls air through at the same rate as the air intake. The elevated importance of the indoor environment can be a burden, but DCV systems can help alleviate any health risks in the most efficient manner.
Cost control
Poorly designed heating and ventilation systems lead to wasted money over many years of operation. Money wasted on energy is money that could have been reallocated towards ensuring excellent levels of care. The smallest margins become a big deal when peoples’ health is at stake.
As more care homes refurbish their often outdated heating and ventilation systems, the inefficiencies will make building operators realise how important an issue this is in every sense. A mechanical, demand controlled heating and
ventilation system can solve the problem. If the intake of fresh air is regulated, it reduces energy wastage caused by over ventilation or overheating. This results in a healthy environment for occupants that can also improve the provider’s bottom line.
The specification of ventilation in care homes must be undertaken with great care. From site surveys and risk assessment to advice on ventilation rates, air distribution and other technical specifications for a mechanical system, seek a knowledgeable partner to help guide you through the specification, installation and maintenance processes. In every sense, it truly is an essential undertaking for care home providers and engineers that design heating and ventilation systems.
References 1 US Environmental Protection Agency. Volatile Organic Compounds' Impact on Indoor Air Quality. [
www.epa.gov/ indoor-air-quality-iaq].
2 Age UK. Later Life in the United Kingdom. [
www.ageuk.org.uk].
3 Care Quality Commission. Regulation 12: Safe care and treatment. [
www.cqc.org.uk].
Phil Mangnall TCHE
Phil Mangnall is national sales manager for Jaga Heating Products. Phil returned to Jaga in January 2015 to head up the sales team. To fulfil his role, Phil believes you must be a great collaborator and listener. Part of his role is to ensure that he and the rest of the sales team provide extensive guidance and support on every project, assisting in any way possible throughout the process.
How poor air quality can affect the health of care home residents
A study published in the European Respiratory Journal in 2015 found that the indoor air quality in nursing homes can have a serious effect on the lung health of older residents.
The researchers collected data on five indoor air pollutants – PM10, PM0.1, formaldehyde, NO2 and O3
– that come from a range of sources including heaters, building materials, furniture, cleaning products, disinfectants and cooling systems.
They assessed levels of the pollutants in 50 different nursing homes in seven countries – Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Poland and Sweden. A total of 600 residents took part in the study. The results showed that exposure to high levels of PM10 and NO2
was
significantly associated with breathlessness and cough.
In addition, high levels of PM0.1 were associated with wheeze during the last year and high concentrations of formaldehyde were linked with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The associations were even seen with “moderate” concentrations of indoor air pollutants, the researchers said, adding that they were enhanced in homes with poor ventilation. Dr Isabella Annesi-Maesano, lead author of the study, said: “Our findings have shown an independent effect of several indoor air pollutants on the lung health of the elderly living in nursing homes. This is a worrying problem since the body’s ability to cope with harmful
May 2017 •
www.thecarehomeenvironment .com
air pollutants decreases as we age.”
“Nursing homes should do more to prevent indoor air pollution by limiting its sources and by improving ventilation in their buildings,” she said. “The respiratory health of residents should also be checked on a regular basis.” Dan Smyth, chair of the European Lung Foundation, said that the findings added to a body of evidence “confirming” that indoor air pollution was a risk factor for respiratory disease.
The most common complaints from those living or working somewhere with poor air quality are: dizziness; headaches; fatigue; aggravation of allergies; eye, nose and throat irritation; and respiratory disease.
Bentayeb M, Norback D, Bednarek M et al; GERIE Study. Indoor air quality, ventilation and respiratory health in elderly residents living in nursing homes in Europe. Eur Resp J 2015; 45(5): 1228-38.
21
vbaleha/Fotolia
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44