Mintie | Global Provider of Indoor Environmental Solutions

Mintie believes in education. It's a cornerstone of our relationship with the communities we work with. There are general resources in this section, but please look for more specific information in the topics below. If you think there is a resource we should add, let us know. And if you are looking for product information please see the resource center.

The Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) is an important tool in reducing the number of healthcare-associated infections (HAI). Specific precautions are recommended based on classification of location and severity of construction, maintenance and renovation work. The Joint Commission 2010 standards not only require the use of an ICRA but also specify that following the appropriate recommendations is a direct impact requirement. Additionally, the CDC, APIC, ASHE, AIA and numerous other groups call for its use. See Construction / Maintenance Containment for information on environmental controls.

Worker activities in healthcare facilities are a common source of particulate generation and release. Materials such as dust and allergens pose little risk to healthy individuals but can cause severe problems for patients with compromised immune systems. Environmental Controls, including barriers and HEPA filters, are an effective method for preventing the spread of potentially harmful particulates. Please see the Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) for more information on regulation.

Currently in the US there are fewer than 1 million hospital beds for a population of over 300 million, less than half of one percent. This is normally sufficient for regular operation and common across the world. But in the event of a disaster or pandemic this capacity could be easily overwhelmed, particularly by infectious individuals that would require separation from the general patient population. There are a number of surge capacity tools to help plan a mass isolation solution to cohort patients.

Environmental Controls are an effective method for preventing the spread of potentially harmful particulates. The growing prevalence of Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms (MDRO) has increased the importance of this type prevention as opposed to treatment. Physical and Pressure barriers, when properly deployed with HEPA filtration, can create high level protective and isolation environments.

Air handling systems have been shown to have a direct impact on building occupant health. Joint Commission guidelines for healthcare facilities can be divided into those which specify acceptable HVAC performance, integration into infection prevention and control activities and the responsibilities of facility leadership after issues are identified. Restoration and maintenance of HVAC system components also extends system life and reduces operating costs.

In addition to the fine particulates and ash directly produced during fires, strong updrafts pull additional material into the atmosphere. This material can penetrate healthcare facilities through the air handling system, doors windows and other breaches in the building envelope. HVAC system integrity and patient safety can be protected during and after these events with proactive response.

An estimated 1.7 million people died of Tuberculosis in 2009 and there are growing incidents of Multi-drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB). Although prevalence varies dramatically by region, readiness cannot be ignored anywhere. Treatment costs can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars and mortality rates for extremely drug resistant strains can rise above 50%.