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Tebbe Thesis_FINAL_4-28-17.pdf (2.96 MB)

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Evaluation of Indoor Air Quality in Four Nursing Home Facilities in Northwest Ohio

Tebbe, Hope M
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2820-0381
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1493411129998087

Abstract Details

2017, Master of Science in Occupational Health, University of Toledo, Occupational Health (Industrial Hygiene).
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is considered one of the top five environmental risks to the public’s health. Older adults are more vulnerable to health complications associated with indoor air contaminants because of their decreased immune system and age-associated health problems, as well as the fact that they spend up to 95 percent of their time indoors. Area air sampling was conducted in the nursing home section of four long term care facilities, three days at each facility (12 days total). Particle concentrations (PM2.5, PM10, Total Particulate matter (TPM), Ultrafine Particles (UFP), temperature, and humidity were measured. Two minute samples were collected during seven Sampling Sessions. Up to nine indoor locations were sampled, representing the various occupied spaces in each nursing home, along with an outside location for comparison. Results of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) by Facility demonstrated significant differences (p<0.001) in PM concentrations and UFP counts. One Facility had higher particulate concentrations at all Sampling Locations which may include contributions from geographic location, vehicular traffic, or resident clustering. ANOVA by Sampling Location demonstrated significant differences (p<0.001) in PM concentrations and UFP counts. In general, the highest UFP and PM concentrations were seen in the kitchen, satellite kitchen, and hair salon, especially at times when the staff and residents were active in these rooms. Significant differences were seen in UFP counts (Facilities 1 and 3) and PM2.5 (Facility 2) by Sampling Session. The highest concentrations were found for the Sampling Sessions in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon which were during peak times of activity for the residents. Although maximum temperature measurements exceeded ASHRAE winter guidelines, this may be appropriate for older residents who prefer a warmer temperature. While most median particle values were below ASHRAE guidelines, maximum values did exceed occasionally in the hair salon and kitchen at all facilities. Various indoor Sampling Location PM concentrations or UFP counts exceeded the outdoor levels at all four facilities. Although the median PM values did not exceed the ASHRAE standards it is unknown whether older adults may still experience significant health complications with these PM concentrations. In addition staff who spend extended amount of times in the kitchen and hair salon could be exposed to higher levels of PM. IAQ in hospitals and similar environments, such as nursing homes, may require a higher level of care because of the vulnerable population.
April Ames, PhD, CIH (Committee Chair)
Victoria Steiner, PhD (Committee Member)
Akbar-Khanzadeh Farhang, PhD, CIH (Committee Member)
Sheryl Milz, PhD, CIH (Committee Member)
109 p.
Aging; Alternative Medicine; Engineering; Environmental Engineering; Environmental Health; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Gerontology; Health; Health Care Management; Health Sciences; Medicine; Occupational Health; Occupational Safety; Public Health; Welfare
Particulate Matter; Nursing Homes; Elderly; Indoor Air Quality; PM; IAQ; ASHRAE; Air Quality; susceptible population; buildings; Aging

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Tebbe, H. M. (2017). Evaluation of Indoor Air Quality in Four Nursing Home Facilities in Northwest Ohio [Master's thesis, University of Toledo]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1493411129998087

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Tebbe, Hope. Evaluation of Indoor Air Quality in Four Nursing Home Facilities in Northwest Ohio. 2017. University of Toledo, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1493411129998087.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Tebbe, Hope. "Evaluation of Indoor Air Quality in Four Nursing Home Facilities in Northwest Ohio." Master's thesis, University of Toledo, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1493411129998087

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

toledo1493411129998087
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This open access ETD is published by University of Toledo and OhioLINK.