Air Quality & Infection Control Flooring
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How to improve air quality and control infections with flooring for hospitals
When it comes to lowering the rate of infections and improving air quality in hospitals, there is no better way than to start from the ground up.
Hospitals face unique challenges in maintaining air quality and preventing infections compared to other environments. For example, it’s not always possible to open windows to improve ventilation and with the high amount of foot traffic, infections are spread easier.
How can you improve air quality with flooring?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is an umbrella term which encompasses a wide variety of factors including temperature, humidity, presence of chemicals and other contaminants, such as indoor allergens.
Poor air quality has been directly linked to health conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, maintaining a good IAQ is especially important in healthcare environments, where people are more vulnerable to its effects.
Certain flooring types can contain a lot of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), both within the flooring material itself and the adhesives used to install them, which are chemicals containing carbon that are emitted into the air when the flooring is used.
These VOCs contribute to poorer indoor air quality (IAQ), which is why here at Forbo we have created flooring that does not contain VOCs along with increasing our portfolio of adhesive-free floor coverings to negate the need for adhesives. The majority of our products also achieve the Indoor Air Comfort Gold certification. It is also worth looking for floor coverings and other materials which have received the Allergy UK seal of approval, as these are independently proven to reduce or remove allergens from the indoor environment.
Another way to keep contaminants out of a healthcare setting is through the right ventilation strategy, but as there are many sources of pollutants a more holistic approach must be taken to ensure patients and other building occupants can breathe easy.
How can you lower infection rates with flooring?
Airborne pathogens can often transfer from one hospital area to another via healthcare professionals or visitors, without anyone even being aware. However, if the indoor environment is geared towards fighting the spread of infection, then the risk can be lowered.
There are floor coverings available on the market that have been independently proven to inhibit the growth and spread of infections such as MRSA, Norovirus, E-coli and C Difficile – helping to contribute to a healthier and more hygienic environment in any area of a hospital.
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Which flooring options can help lower infection rates and improve air quality?
As part of the expansive Forbo flooring collection, we have created multiple flooring ranges with healthcare in mind , making them perfect choices for healthcare settings where IAQ and the risk of infection are the main priorities.
Marmoleum
Our Marmoleum range is proven to inhibit the growth and spread of infections like MRSA, C difficile and Norovirus. Marmoleum contributes to a healthier and more hygienic environment in any hospital area, including waiting rooms and canteens .
The unique ‘Topshield’ finish reduces soiling and is resistant to staining from hand disinfectants. Thanks to its smooth surface, Marmoleum doesn’t harbour dust mites, earning it the Allergy UK Seal of Approval™. Marmoleum has also been awarded the Indoor Air Comfort gold certification.
Fast Flooring Collection
Our Fast flooring collection is genuinely adhesive-free, meaning a vastly reduced amount of VOCs are present and IAQ is instantly improved.
We understand that lowering interruptions for staff is vital in healthcare settings, which makes Fast flooring a perfect choice of flooring for hospitals. Due to the speed of installation Fast flooring provides it can reduce downtime by up to half. Most importantly, it can be used immediately after installation.
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Flotex
Flotex flocked flooring is perfect for hospital waiting areas where regular foot traffic and movement of chairs demand a durable floor covering. The Flotex range combines the comfort and warmth of textile flooring with increased durability and resistance to light soiling.
This is another addition to our flooring portfolio that holds the Allergy UK Seal of approval™ and comes in a wide variety of colours and stimulating designs.
Improving air quality and reducing the rate of infection in hospitals can be challenging due to the unavoidable nature of high foot traffic, but through the use of flooring with reduced VOCs and increased anti-bacterial properties, the challenge can be overcome.
Are you interested in learning how it’s possible to heal through design? Download our whitepaper today and learn more.
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