What specific aspect of construction IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) management is most critical to protect immunocompromised patients during hospital renovations?

The most critical aspect of construction IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) management for protecting immunocompromised patients during hospital renovations is the establishment and maintenance of robust source control and containment measures to prevent the migration of construction-related dust, debris, and airborne pathogens into patient care areas. Immunocompromised patients are highly susceptible to infections, and even small amounts of construction dust can contain harmful microorganisms, such as Aspergillus, which can cause life-threatening invasive aspergillosis. Therefore, it's essential to implement strict containment measures, including the use of airtight barriers, negative air pressure within the construction zone, HEPA filtration of exhaust air, and proper cleaning and disinfection protocols. Source control involves minimizing the generation of dust and debris at the source through the use of wet methods, HEPA-filtered vacuums, and proper waste management practices. Regular air monitoring should be conducted to verify the effectiveness of the containment measures and to detect any breaches in the barrier. Ensuring these critical measures are in place and continuously monitored is paramount to patient safety.