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Microbial contamination of ambient air by ultrasonic humidifier and preventive measures
S Oie1, N Masumoto, K Hironaga
1Department of Pharmacy, Yamaguchi University Hospital, Ube, Japan.
Abstract:
The microbially contaminated ultrasonic humidifier (UH) causes humidifier fever. The number of airborne viable bacteria was determined when the UH was operating, and other methods to humidify the air of hospital wards were also examined. A UH contaminated with 10(5) bacteria ml(-1), a level common in hospitals, increased the bacterial count in the air from 860 m(-3) to 88,000 m(-3) at a distance of 3 m from the humidifier. Thus UH in hospitals may contaminate the air and be a potential hazard to patients. Contamination was slight when a washable and disinfectable ultrasonic nebulizer was used with disinfection at 24 h intervals. In tracheostomy patients requiring a high degree of air humidification, ultrasonic nebulizers which are readily washed and disinfected are recommended.
Insights
Microbially contaminated ultrasonic humidifiers (UH) can significantly increase airborne bacteria in hospitals, posing a risk to patients. Using washable and disinfectable ultrasonic nebulizers with regular disinfection is a safer alternative for humidifying hospital air.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Health
- Hospital Infection Control
Background:
- Microbially contaminated ultrasonic humidifiers (UH) are a known cause of humidifier fever.
- Hospital environments require effective air humidification, but contamination poses risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify airborne viable bacteria from operating ultrasonic humidifiers.
- To evaluate alternative air humidification methods in hospital wards.
- To assess the risk of airborne contamination from UH in healthcare settings.
Main Methods:
- Airborne viable bacteria counts were measured around operating ultrasonic humidifiers.
- Alternative humidification methods, including washable ultrasonic nebulizers, were examined.
- Bacterial contamination levels in a UH were simulated to common hospital levels (10(5) bacteria ml(-1)).
Main Results:
- A contaminated UH increased airborne bacteria from 860 m(-3) to 88,000 m(-3) at 3 meters.
- Contamination was minimal when using a washable ultrasonic nebulizer disinfected every 24 hours.
- Ultrasonic humidifiers can be a significant source of airborne microbial contamination in hospitals.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonic humidifiers pose a potential hazard to patients due to microbial contamination and increased airborne bacteria.
- Washable and disinfectable ultrasonic nebulizers offer a safer method for air humidification in hospitals.
- Regular disinfection of humidification devices is crucial for patient safety, especially for those requiring high humidity levels.