Should my hospital use 100% outside air or recirculated air?
Absolutely Yes! The debate about use of 100% outside air versus recirculating air has gone on for many years without clear consensus. The debate centers around the idea to provide the most healthful air to the patient care environment and minimize the risk of cross contamination between air streams. These goals are shared by both sides of the debate. While some healthcare providers have chosen to dedicate themselves to 100% outside air systems, others are willing to recirculate air without reservation. So what are the real issues that should drive the decision? The hospital’s mission is to provide quality care for the patient and a safe environment for both patients and staff. A part of achieving the objective is to remove air handling systems from the risk equation. Doing that is more easily said than done in most cases. To assess the risk of air streams and air handling systems to the patient care environment, the source of risk must be considered. A part of the consideration will be
