Indoor Air Quality and Environmental Safety in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Al-Najaf, Iraq: A Cross Sectional Study of Incubators and Surrounding Air

Abstract

Objective: To measure selected indoor air quality parameters within neonatal incubators and neonatal intensive care unit rooms using a calibrated digital monitoring device

Study Design: Descriptive analytical cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the neonatal intensive care unit of Al-Zahraa Teaching Hospital in Al-Najaf, Iraq, from 1st October 2024 to 31st March 2025.

Methodology: The study included 12 active neonatal Incubators and two neonatal intensive care unit rooms. Air quality parameters including temperature, relative humidity, particulate matter (PM1.0, PM2.5 and PM10), carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and total volatile organic compounds, were measured using a portable monitoring device. Measurements were conducted during peak working hours at different locations within the rooms and incubators.

Results: The research results demonstrated that the majority of air quality indicators met international standards for acceptable levels. The temperature and carbon dioxide levels met the recommended values, but relative humidity fell below the recommended threshold. The PM2.5 and PM10 levels remained within acceptable range while formaldehyde and total volatile organic compounds gaseous pollutants appeared at extremely low levels. The two rooms showed no significant statistical differences between them (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The neonatal intensive care unit indoor air quality assessment showed acceptable results although the facility needed humidity level improvements. The establishment needs continuous air quality assessment together with control systems to maintain protection for neonates