The fight to control infections in healthcare facilities is no longer just a facility issue. Today, infection control is a design issue that spans across all industries associated with healthcare — confronted not only by the architects and designers who specify products, but also the product manufacturers who sell their products for use in the healthcare environment. Surfacing is one of these product categories. Initially, one may consider that surfacing is limited to floors, walls counters and ceilings. However, a closer look reveals many more applications, including faucets and faucet handles, door knobs, computer key boards, pens, charts, cell phones, fabrics, furniture and bed rails. Surface contact is constant and inevitable.
One surface that meets all of the criteria of the 2006 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Healthcare Facilities published by the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) and American Institute of Architects (AIA)
1, is DuPont Corian solid surfaces, for example. Corian has a smooth topography, and with proper cleaning, will not support microbial growth. Similarly important characteristics of a surfacing material are durability, sustainability, low-VOC, and its non-toxic/non-allergenic properties. Reusable, durable and low-emitting, these solid surfaces are not only ideal for healthcare environments, but they also contribute to a hospital’s sustainable design goals in a variety of horizontal and vertical applications. Corian solid surfaces, as well as the sealants and adhesives from DuPont Surfaces, are GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified and have also received the GREENGUARD for Children & Schools Certification, which takes into account the sensitivities of children in a classroom setting where similar issues exist.
“Fulfilling these rigorous third-party standards emphasizes our ongoing dedication to safety and sustainability, especially in the healthcare arena,” said Christine Coffin, North America marketing manager - DuPont Surfaces. “We understand that low-emitting products and materials help improve indoor air quality and we’re committed to providing designers and specifying professionals with the science and systems that can help to create safe, sustainable healing environments.”
For more information on the fit of DuPont Corian in healthcare facilities, visit
www.corian.com.
Case Study: Denton Presbyterian Hospital
Denton Presbyterian Hospital in Denton, Texas, was designed to create a comfortable hospital environment for both patients and staff, with a dual focus on healing and functionality. One challenge facing the project team was selecting a nonporous surface material that met standards for infection control, safety and food preparation.
Durable, low-VOC, NSF/ANSI 51 Certified for food contact and Class I (A) fire-rated in accordance with NFPA 255, UL 723, or ASTM E84, Corian solid surface was selected for use in patient rooms, hallways, waiting rooms, staff workstations and the cafeteria to meet the cleanliness, design and durability needs of the project.
