Issues

Issues The air quality in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, surgical centers, doctors offices, nursing homes, assisted living, and long-term care facilities is more critical to the success of the facility than has been recognized by most organizations. Bacteria, viruses, odors, mold, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) all create operational, management, financial, and liability issues. The health and safety of residents and staff, as well as the financial health of the organization, are impacted daily by the quality of indoor air. Click to see Financial Impact and Testimonial.	Surface Bacteria 99.99% Inactivation Airborne Bacteria 97% Inactivation Avian (Bird) Flu 100% Inactivation / 24 hours

Bacteria/Viruses: The risk of bacterial growth in healthcare facilities is of great concern, from the busiest hospital to the most pristine assisted living community. Bacteria are easily transported from one area to another as they attach to particulate in the air or are inadvertently passed from one surface to another by contact. Just one infectious outbreak can cause a severe set-back to the organization. Patients, residents, and staff are likely to be infected or become ill. Nosocomial infections are the bane of infection control personnel, and outbreaks in assisted living facilities ascertain hospitalization of residents and absenteeism of staff. The financial impact of such an outbreak is serious. Credibility of the facility is also impacted. Staphylococcal infections are all-too-common in hospitals, and MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) can be particularly devastating. Visitors coming and going add to the difficulty of keeping a facility virus and bacteria-free. Many viruses spread quickly. An example would be the Norwalk virus, commonly known as the “cruise ship” virus; actually many times more prevalent on land than at sea. It spreads rapidly by surface contact and is devastating in its affect on humans. Other flu-like viruses are similar. Due to the lowered immune system of many hospitalized patients and residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, such an outbreak can lead to severe illness and even death. Such catastrophic failure often results in liability suits, not to mention the immediate financial losses from actions required to address the health problems perpetrated by the outbreak	MRSA 99.8% Inactivation / 6 hours Norovirus (Cruise Ship Virus) This virus is far more prevalent on land than sea 99.9999% Inactivation / 1 hour Escherichia coli 99% Inactivation / 6 hours

Mold: Although mold can create serious respiratory illnesses and allergic symptoms in susceptible people, it is usually not detected until it is severe enough to create a musty odor. Mold spores float in the air and are circulated by the air handling system. They attach to surfaces, begin to grow, and release additional spores. Airborne spores are inhaled, resulting in serious health problems for some residents and staff. Mold has an affinity for moisture and humidity. This makes it a particular problem in some parts of the country and at certain times of the year. In healthcare facilities, mold growth usually starts in damp places, such as spa or bath areas. Left untreated, mold spores will multiply and spread rapidly. Mold eradication and/or cover-up can be costly, especially if facility repair is indicated.	Airborne Mold Up to 98% Inactivation Stachybotrys Chartarum (Black Mold) 99.93% Inactivation / 6 hours

Odors: The reputation of a facility is often shaped by the odor. When a family member or guest walks through the front door, the first thing they do is smell the air. At that moment, an opinion is formed. Odors cause people to believe the facility is neither clean nor safe from germs and bacteria. Odors aerosolize and spread throughout the facility. Even though staff may clean up inappropriately deposited urine and/or feces, the odor has already attached itself to particles in the air and soles of shoes and moved to other parts of the facility. Ultimately, no amount of cleaning and scrubbing of surfaces contaminated with urine or feces can totally eliminate the odor. Odor affects occupancy rates, as many people do not want their family member or loved one to live in a facility with odors. As a result, more time, effort, and costs are incurred in marketing/promoting the facility. Deodorizers increase ongoing operational costs. These perfumes and sprays are often used to cover odors. People recognize the fragrances and know the organization is making an attempt to cover up odors. These traditional methods of “covering up” are not only ineffective but actually could cause further problems. For example, while aerosols mask odors, they add particulate to the air, thereby increasing the risk of respiratory problems such as pneumonia.	% Odor Reduction

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): New furniture, carpeting, paint, and most materials used in renovation/new construction are sources of VOCs. Other sources include cleaners and disinfectants, air fresheners, aerosol sprays, wood preservatives, floor waxes, hobby supplies and more. Among the most immediate symptoms from VOCs are eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment. Additional symptoms include loss of coordination, nausea, and damage to liver, kidney and central nervous system. Unfortunately, some VOCs are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies greatly. The extent and nature of the health effect will depend on many factors including level of exposure and length of time exposed.	Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Up to 100% inactivation