Maintaining the Quality of Air and Water In Healthcare Facilities
An Interview with Beth Krah
Air is source of epidemic respiratory infections in healthcare facilities. A report by Shrivastava et al noted, “This airborne transmission becomes even more prevalent in healthcare settings because of overburdened hospitals and the presence of immunosuppressed patients. Airborne infection control measures include a three-pronged approach, namely administrative control, environmental control, and personal respiratory protection measures.”
A Breath of Fresh Air
Air and waterborne diseases prompt healthcare systems to seek better, more effective ways of eliminating or containing problems and protecting patients from harm. Environmental controls are a large part of the solutions.
Beth Krah, Owner and CEO, Krah Health Solutions, cited a basic tenant touted by Florence Nightingale, who said, “The very first canon of nursing is to keep the air he breathes as pure as the external air, without chilling him.” Krah states that much education on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is needed as airborne transmission of bacteria, viruses, mold spores and VOC’s affect the patient’s ability to heal properly.
