Work

Determinants of Carbon Dioxide Exposure for Residents and Staff of Nursing Homes: A Field Monitoring Study in Spain

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Providing high air quality is crucial to the health and well‐being of older people living in nursing homes. A measurement study was undertaken in 22 communal rooms of five nursing homes in Spain to investigate the effects of heating, ventilation, and air‐conditioning (HVAC) systems, room characteristics, and occupant activities on the indoor air quality. The study included 196 periods of data collection (equivalent to 5282 measurements). To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of indoor air quality in Spanish nursing homes. The study found that mean CO 2 concentrations were consistently below established standards, although notable peaks were evident due to specific activities. Natural and cross ventilation had a clear role in maintaining CO 2 concentrations below recommended levels. The findings indicate that lower occupancy density may be required in rooms where high‐CO 2 ‐generating activities take place, such as gym–physiotherapy rooms. The results showed that the older residents and staff were both more thermally comfortable at higher CO 2 concentrations. This suggests that striking a balance between air quality and thermal comfort is necessary. The study provides useful insights for the design of ventilation systems and spatial layouts of nursing homes, which can achieve higher levels of indoor air quality and occupant well‐being.

Source: Indoor Air

DOI: 10.1155/ina/4153784

Authors: Alba Fuertes, Rory V. Jones, María Teresa Baquero, Roger Vergés, Nuria Forcada

Institutions: University of Reading, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya

Language: English

Topic: Indoor Air Quality and Microbial Exposure

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,490