As per the public relations report from the Faculty of Health at Iran University of Medical Sciences, in observance of World Environment Day on 16th June 1403, it has been highlighted that the air pollution center and environmental health engineering department closely interact with the environment. With the support of Dr. Rasool Yarahamdi, the head of the air pollution center, and Dr. Emad Dehghani Fard, Director of the Environmental Health Engineering Department, a detailed report has been prepared showcasing the activities and contributions of these units in the current year 1403 and the previous year 1402.
1. Developing, constructing, and assessing an interactive green wall to reduce indoor pollutants as part of enhancing natural control systems and minimizing exposure to pollutants.
2. Evaluating the effectiveness of wire-plate coaxial technology in a miniature electrocyclone as part of advancing air pollution control systems in enclosed spaces.
3. Creating and validating a questionnaire on self-care health literacy during periods of air pollution.
4. Establishing a system to eliminate harmful agents in closed environments: In medical facilities, simply exchanging air is insufficient for managing airborne particles contaminated with harmful agents. It is essential to establish a pressure differential to prevent the spread of pollutants within healthcare spaces and to segregate clean areas from less pristine ones.
This study examined a pathogen removal system that combines three technologies - cold plasma, UVGI, and chemical treatment. The system's effectiveness in eliminating viruses and bacteria was tested using the SARS-CoV-2 virus present in respiratory droplets, as well as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The system operates by containing and isolating the patient's respiratory droplets, thus preventing their spread within the hospital environment. This helps reduce the risk of exposure to others, including healthcare workers and individuals suspected of or infected with Covid-19.
The PCR analysis of samples revealed a complete and 100% elimination of pathogenic agents (SARS-CoV-2), Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus before and after utilizing the system. These findings indicate that the system is suitable for use in hospital special care units, offices, and other commercial spaces. Additionally, the production of technological products, such as the development of an S-type pitot tube device and a standard concentrator device for BTEX volatile organic solvents and vapors, has been proven feasible.