Abstract
Evaluation of a hard-wall, dust-free hospital room for effectiveness of control of gaseous pollutants and odors was conducted in a clinical research center. The study is part of a long-range goal to improve postoperative care and burn patient care techniques by providing a known and controlled environment. Filtration through absolute filters in the air recirculation system removes particulate matter. A charged electrode system consisting of high-voltage and high-frequency units, which is claimed to neutralize “spaces charges” on particulate and gaseous material, preventing deposition on room surfaces, was evaluated. A continuous method of following in situ ventilation rates of a “slug” and “continuous” gaseous sources with N2O gas as a tracer has been developed in this work. The method appears to be an improvement over radioactive and nonradioactive tracers for the study of rooms having high ventilation rates.