Volume 12, Issue 3 (Autumn 2025)
johe 2025, 12(3): 207-219 |
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Khoshabi J, Hekmat-Shoar R, Yazdani-Aval M, Miri M. Determination and Health Risk Assessment of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCS) in Different Departments of a Hospital. johe 2025; 12 (3) :207-219
URL: http://johe.umsha.ac.ir/article-1-1022-en.html
URL: http://johe.umsha.ac.ir/article-1-1022-en.html
1- Department of Health, Safety and Environment Management, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
2- Department of Health, Safety and Environment Management, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran ,rezahekmatshoar@yahoo.com
3- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
4- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
2- Department of Health, Safety and Environment Management, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran ,
3- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
4- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
Abstract: (1036 Views)
Background and Objective: Evidence regarding indoor air quality in Iranian hospitals is very limited. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are considered important chemical pollutants in hospital environments. This study aimed to investigate the concentrations of VOCs in the air of different hospital departments and assess the associated exposure risks.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 in 20 departments of a hospital in Mashhad, Iran. Passive sampling was carried out using activated carbon adsorption tubes, and the collected samples were analyzed by GC/MS. Non-carcinogenic risks were assessed using the Monte Carlo technique in Crystal Ball software.
Results: The findings indicated that toluene had the highest concentrations in most departments (including operating rooms, delivery ward, neonatal intensive care unit, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatric surgery, intensive care units, emergency department, main hall, clinic, kitchen, radiology, laundry, waste disposal unit, and yard). In the central sterile services department and laboratory, m, p-xylene, and o-xylene were predominant, respectively (P < 0.05). Hazard quotient (HQ) analysis showed that m, p-xylene, and o-xylene had the highest HQ values of 626.99 and 478.09, respectively. The lowest HQ values were 0.001 and 0.91, corresponding to 1, 3 ,5-trimethylbenzene and cyclohexanone, respectively.
Conclusion: The results suggest that certain departments, particularly laboratories and operating rooms, may serve as critical hotspots for VOC exposure. Therefore, strengthening air quality monitoring and control programs in hospitals is recommended to protect the health of both staff and patients.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 in 20 departments of a hospital in Mashhad, Iran. Passive sampling was carried out using activated carbon adsorption tubes, and the collected samples were analyzed by GC/MS. Non-carcinogenic risks were assessed using the Monte Carlo technique in Crystal Ball software.
Results: The findings indicated that toluene had the highest concentrations in most departments (including operating rooms, delivery ward, neonatal intensive care unit, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatric surgery, intensive care units, emergency department, main hall, clinic, kitchen, radiology, laundry, waste disposal unit, and yard). In the central sterile services department and laboratory, m, p-xylene, and o-xylene were predominant, respectively (P < 0.05). Hazard quotient (HQ) analysis showed that m, p-xylene, and o-xylene had the highest HQ values of 626.99 and 478.09, respectively. The lowest HQ values were 0.001 and 0.91, corresponding to 1, 3 ,5-trimethylbenzene and cyclohexanone, respectively.
Conclusion: The results suggest that certain departments, particularly laboratories and operating rooms, may serve as critical hotspots for VOC exposure. Therefore, strengthening air quality monitoring and control programs in hospitals is recommended to protect the health of both staff and patients.
Keywords: Air Pollution, Health Risk Assessment, Hospital, Monte Carlo Method, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Type of Study: Research Article |
Subject:
Chemical agents
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