| Keywords |
Hospital ward ; air conditioning system ; Airborne microbes ; Infection ; Air filter |
| Abstract |
This study verified the hazard of contaminant dispersion using an experiment in a hospital where multi zone variable air volume (VAVs) systems were being operated for multiple ward areas. The results showed that the contaminant released in a source ward was dispersed to all other wards through the air conditioning system, although the concentration were decreased through dilution with outdoor air. Then airborne bacteria and fungi were measured in the ward area where was occupied by patients. The results indicated that the sources of airborne microbes were in the ward and they were assumed to be patients. However, the microbes were successfully removed by the air filters in the air conditioning system before supplied to each ward. Further consideration on the methods to minimize the airborne dispersion before removed in air conditioning systems is required. |