Biological Air Contamination in Elderly Care Centers: Geria Project

Abstract

Indoor air quality (IAQ) affects health particularly in susceptible individuals such as the elderly. It has been estimated that the older population spends approximately 19-20 h/d indoors, and the majority of the elderly spend all of their time indoors in elderly care centers (ECC). Older individuals may be particularly at risk of exposure to detrimental effects from pollutants, even at low concentrations, due to common and multiple underlying chronic diseases that increase susceptibility. This study, aimed to assess the impact of indoor biological agents in 22 ECC located in Porto, was conducted during summer and winter from November 2011 to August 2013 at a total of 141 areas within dining rooms, drawing rooms, medical offices, and bedrooms (including the bedridden). Air sampling was carried out with a microbiological air sampler (Merck MAS-100) and using tryptic soy agar for bacteria and malt extract agar for fungi. The results obtained were compared with the recently revised Portuguese standards. In winter, mean fungi concentration exceeded reference values, while bacteria concentrations were within the new standards in both seasons. The main fungi species found indoors were Cladosporium (73%) in summer and Penicillium (67%) in winter. Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus, known potential pathogenic/toxigenic species, were also identified. Although the overall rate and mean values of bacteria and fungi found in ECC indoor air met Portuguese legislation, some concern is raised by the presence of pathogenic microorganisms. Simple measures, like opening windows and doors to promote air exchange and renewal, may improve effectiveness in enhancing IAQ.

The impact of indoor air quality and contaminants on respiratory health of older people living in long-term care residences in Porto

“…These findings showed how this parameter is critical for air quality for its possible influence on human health particularly to older people with previous lung or heart disease [13]. Although all the other indoor air pollutants median concentrations were within the reference levels, peak values of PM 10 (1,730 µg/ m 3 4% of fungi samples were positive for Aspergillus species known potential pathogenic/toxigenic species which constitute a threat predominantly to subjects with immunity disorders [14] such as older persons. TVOC, bacteria, CO and CO 2 showed significantly higher indoor levels compared to outdoor, in both seasons showing predominance of indoor sources.…”

Chronic respiratory diseases and quality of life in elderly nursing home residents

“…The GERIA Project was conducted in the two main Portuguese cities, Lisbon and Oporto, 18 and comprised two phases. In the present article, we only report the results from phase I.…”

Structuring the Environmental Experience Design Research Framework through Selected Aged Care Facility Data Analyses in Victoria

“…One can observe elevated PM0.3-10.0 concentration measured at communal area during day times, which is consistent with CO2 concentration profile. Menders and his colleagues investigated a wide of range of indoor environmental quality parameters (including CO2 and particle concentrations, thermal condition parameters) of elderly care centers in GERIE study (Geriatric study on health effects of air quality in nursing homes) [37][38][39][40]. The aged care residents were exposed to higher level of CO2, but warmer temperature in this case study than GERIE project.…”