Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Inside a Hospital Theatre

Abstract

In this research study, the effect of the activities associated with a hospital theatre, on its IAQ has been studied since the theatre staff experience some discomfort while being inside the theatre. In order to evaluate this, variation of Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) and Particulate Matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) concentrations inside the theatre were measured and analyzed. Significant variations were observed in the concentrations of CO2, TVOC and CO inside the operation theatre. CO2 concentration inside the room increased at the beginning and end of the surgeries due to high occupant density and also during Laparoscopic surgeries. TVOC concentration was affected by the usage of different chemicals during the surgery. Major effect to the CO concentration was by Diathermy.