[Health problems in air-conditioned treatment rooms in a pediatric intensive care unit]

Personnel of a pediatric intensive care unit claimed health problems due to air draughts. Mucous membrane symptoms such as burning eyes, an increased number of colds as well as headaches and stiff necks were the most frequent complaints. According to our indoor climate analysis high turbulence intensities were the main cause for thermal discomfort (Tumax = 88%, Tumin = 50%, median = 58% at measuring position Nr. 7). The percentage of people dissatisfied due to draught (PD value) were for example PDmax = 31%, PDmin = 6.7%, median = 16% at measuring position Nr. 7. In addition the humidification device of the HVAC system was not run continuously resulting in relative humidities below existing standards (51% r.h. in summer and 28% r.h. during the heating period).