Physical Characteristics of Recurrent Fungus Areas in Air-Conditioned Hospitals

Abstract

The occurrence of fungus from damp in healthcare facilities is harmful to both patients and healthcare staffs. In a hospital, a place that has specific standards and needs in controlling indoor environments, fungus should not be found. This research was empirical research conducted to examine the physical characteristics of recurrent fungus areas in air-conditioned hospitals and causes which relate to the occurrence of fungus in these locations. The study covered collecting data and pictures, interviewing the authorized staffs in actual areas, including the usage of physical parameters and hospital documents to see the pattern and common characteristics of the studied fungus areas in order to identify the causal factors concerned. The research showed that some characteristics of the studied areas are relevant to the types and the functions of the area, including the appearance of the fungus in the area. The temperature, relative humidity and surface materials of areas with the occurrence of fungus are factors that relate to the occurrence of fungus in healthcare facilities.