Smart healthcare engineering: transnational understanding of atmospheric corrosion processes in healthcare facilities

This work is a result of a pilot study integrated in an international project of collaboration and consists in the developing a comprehensive methodological framework to investigate the multifactorial nature of corrosion in hospitals across Spain, Romania and Turkey. By integrating multidisciplinary perspectives from engineering, materials science and law, the program prepares participants to address corrosion challenges through both technical competence and regulatory awareness. This pilot study conducted at Dr. Negrin Hospital (Spain) validated the methodology, involving 3 hospital professionals and 11 students with 3 academic staff from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The study included environmental monitoring, laboratory experiments on electrochemical behavior and protective strategies against corrosion. Representative functional zones (including operating rooms, sterilization units, HVAC systems, intensive care units and patient wards) were instrumented with environmental monitoring devices to record pollutants, temperature, humidity and particulate matter. Metal coupons made of stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum and zinc were exposed under simulated hospital conditions to assess corrosion rates. Data analysis combined quantitative and qualitative approaches to ensure methodological feasibility and reliability. The results emphasize that corrosion in healthcare settings has significant technical, economic and legal implications. Preventive strategies and continuous monitoring can reduce maintenance costs, enhance patient safety and ensure regulatory compliance. Ultimately, this work underscores the importance of multidisciplinary education and international collaboration in developing sustainable corrosion management practices for modern healthcare infrastructure.