AVALIAÇÃO DA QUALIDADE DO AR INTERIOR EM UNIDADES DE SAÚDE DA REGIÃO NORTE DE PORTUGAL

Background: On average, people spend 90 per cent of their time indoors, and several studies show that indoor air quality (IAQ) is more contaminated than outdoor air quality. On the other hand, IAQ is one of the significant causes of morbidity and mortality for humans, and is a public health concern.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess indoor air quality in health centres in the northern region of mainland Portugal. Methodology: Seven family health units from the Tâmega II Vale do Sousa Sul Health Centre Group took part in this study. Microbiological and physicochemical pollutants were assessed at 24 workstations between April and May 2023. Results and Discussion: All the results obtained for the pollutants PM10, PM2,5 and CO, CO2 were in line with the protection thresholds laid down in the legislation. However, 21 per cent and 25 per cent of the results obtained for the pollutants VOC and formaldehyde, respectively, were above the protection thresholds. Fungi and viable microorganisms were detected in all the workplace. Conclusions: The IAQ of the healthcare units assessed can be classified as good, with no data to date affecting the health of workers, although continuous ventilation/air conditioning measures should be adopted at all workstations.