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MCDM AG.COM | M A RCH /A PR IL 2017 | Medical Construction & Design 55 and waiting rooms, on the other hand, have a variety of hard and soft surfaces that pres- ent diff erent levels of health risk. Design statements can be made with natural stone, wood, fabric and tile, yet fi nish selections should consider chemical content and off - gassing after installation. Surgery suites and procedure rooms vary depending on specifi c functions. Surgery suites need to have hard, cleanable surfaces, yet safe products that are Red List compliant, as identifi ed by the Living Building Challenge, may not be durable enough to withstand frequent sanitiza- tion procedures necessary for sterilization. Labs, on the other hand, face potential risk from off -gassing from paints, fi nishes and other airborne contaminants that can af- fect test results, while exam rooms need to consider potential health risks of chemicals found in acoustical insulation. Patient rooms have lower air exchange rates than surgery suites, and may have Green news & practices New sustainable building standards are putting a greater emphasis on healthy indoor environments. Healthcare facilities, in particular, are becoming increasingly focused on promoting healthy environments that support the well-being of patients, families and staff —with particular focus on indoor air quality. Air quality control often has focused on state-of-the-art HVAC systems that reduce airborne contain- ments and easy-to-clean surfaces that minimize infectious transfer. Yet industry attention is turning increas- ingly toward new materials and how chemical content can adversely impact air quality, particularly in healthcare facilities where occupants often are vulnerable to infection. The long-term eff ect of off -gassing from building materials can contribute to respira- tory problems, infection and other side eff ects. But by researching safe materials used in three key spaces — common areas, surgery/procedure suites and patient rooms — healthcare facil- ity owners can plan healthier indoor environments. Identifying healthy spaces Common areas such as lobbies, wait- ing rooms and cafeterias have a variety of materials serving programming and aesthetic needs. The materials will vary from space to space — thus in- creasing the risk of choosing material with potentially harmful off -gassing. Food service areas, for instance, usually have a lot of hard surfaces including glass, solid-surface counters and stainless steel appliances that are durable, easy to clean and have low- volatile organic compounds. Lobbies Choosing materials to promote healthy indoor environments BY PATRICK THIBAUDEAU & PETER DAHL PHOTOS BY DARRIS LEE HARRIS Embracing Green MATERIALS continued page 56 >> Overall, the use of regional materials, connection to nature and natural daylight at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton humanize the building experience for patients, visitors and staff — projecting an image of health and well-being.