When families move their loved ones into assisted living facilities, they expect that the building will be a clean, safe place to live. As an administrator or property owner, you do your part to ensure the safety of your residents. But there could be unseen threats lurking in assisted living facilities that could compromise the well-being of the residents. These threats are invisible, airborne pollutants that jeopardize indoor air quality.
Dangers of Poor Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air pollutants can be harmful for anyone who breathes them in. However, older adults are at a particularly high risk of health complications from these contaminants. This is because older adults typically have multiple health problems, which may include respiratory ailments and conditions that weaken the immune system. These individuals are generally less able to fight off the ill effects of poor indoor air quality, and they are more susceptible to developing health complications because of it.
Scientific Studies Regarding Nursing Home Air
The significance of indoor air quality in assisted living facilities is an emerging topic of interest for scientists. More research is needed in this area to determine how airborne contaminants may affect specific populations; however, one study performed by European researchers revealed troubling results. The scientists discovered that nursing home residents were highly susceptible to lung problems after being exposed to even low levels of airborne pollutants. Seniors involved in the study displayed worrisome symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. The researchers also found that the elderly are at risk of cardiovascular complications from these ailments. This initial research underscores the critical importance of improving a nursing home’s heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in order to support better indoor air quality.
Improving indoor air quality is easy when you partner with B & J Refrigeration Inc. – Heating and Cooling in Tucson. Our expert technicians provide fast and reliable heating, cooling, and indoor air quality services for residential and commercial clients. Get in touch today at (520) 326-9672 and let us know how we can help.