Cross-laminated wood panels in a patient room and studies of interior environment

• Studies on the effect from biobased materials and products on humans have indicated positive effects. This has earlier been shown in studies for e.g. hospitals, where indications of lower stress and pain in patients with wood as part ofinterior solutions. This paper describes the first step of a larger study that investigates the interior environment and the response of patients. The study presented here measured RH, temperature, emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and microbial activities in two rooms at a hospital in Skellefteá, Orthopaedic ward. One room had a cross-laminated wood panel covering 42% ofwalls, window reveal and doors, and the other a control room with standard coverings. Results indicated only a small difference between the rooms in terms of temperature and RH. VOC emissions varied in both rooms but all concentrations were lower or much lower than threshold values for interior air quality standard limits. Biological contamination ofthe surfaces and from air sampling was also performed. Conclusions of this experimental study shows that from a regulatory perspective it is possible and safe to use wood as interior product.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Samhällsbyggnadsteknik -- Husbyggnad (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Civil Engineering -- Building Technologies (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Annan hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Other Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

LANTBRUKSVETENSKAPER  -- Lantbruksvetenskap, skogsbruk och fiske -- Trävetenskap (hsv//swe)

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES  -- Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries -- Wood Science (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

hospital environment

microbial populations

ozone

volatile organic compounds

wood

Träteknik

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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