Disinfectant Overuse May Have Caused Nurses' Illnesses At Vermont Hospital

Investigators were unable to pinpoint an exact reason why 21 nurses fell ill


The rehab floors at UVM Medical Center’s Fanny Allen campus in Colchester, Vt., will reopen in the fall despite the fact that investigators were unable to pinpoint a specific reason why 21 nurses fell ill In the spring, according to an article on the VT Digger website.

But at least part of the problem was caused by nurses using too much disinfectant to slow the spread of Covid-19, according to the Vermont Department of Health.

The nurses reported dizziness, confusion and nausea over a four-week period.

In another incident,  17 staff members reported feeling nauseated after smelling exhaust-like fumes in an operating room last October. In November, seven staff members reported a similar smell and symptoms. 

The hospital installed carbon monoxide detectors and air sampling canisters in the buildings, and employees will wear detectors. The facility also will upgrade the kitchen exhaust system, install filters in the operating room and install a weather station on the roof to help determine the cause in the case of future problems, according to an earlier VT Digger article.

Read the full VT Digger article.

 

 



September 9, 2020


Topic Area: HVAC


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