Fabrics and flooring treated with antimicrobial agents that prevent bacterial growth create more problems than they solve, according to an article on the FacilityCare website.
The chemicals used to make these products antimicrobial are commonly classified as pesticides/biocides.
Because of the bio-accumulative nature of pesticides, scientists are investigating the causal links between pesticides and the increased incidence of asthma and other respiratory diseases.
However, the use of natural materials can achieve the same result without exposing patients and staff to the risks of pesticides and their bio-accumulative toxicity.
Building Envelope Design: Beyond Energy Efficiency
Outpatient Surge Reshapes Long-Term Strategy for Medical Outpatient Buildings
Mercy Medical Center to Be Integrated into Baystate Health
Managing IAQ in Healthcare Facilities During Wildfires
Building Hospital Resilience in an Era of Extreme Weather