Indoor Microbiological air Pollution in the Hospital

Abstract

Microorganisms in the air of occupational indoor environments are associated with a wide range of adverse health effects with major public health impact. The aim of this study was testing the presence of microbiological parameters (bacteria and fungi) and microclimatic parameters (temperature and relative humidity) in the clinical hospital “St. Luke the Apostle” in Doboj, which is located in the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Concentrations of bacteria ranged from 35 CFU/m3 to 6,295 CFU/m3. Maximum fungal concentration was 1,135 CFU/m3, while the minimum was 10 CFU/m3. The average levels of bacteria (1,113 CFU/m3) and fungi (186 CFU/m3) indicated that all hospital rooms were generally contaminated. Statistical analysis confirmed direct connection between the number of bacteria, fungi and microclimatic parameters, especially relative humidity.