Air Quality and Occupational Risk Prevention in Veterinary Clinics

Why Measure Air Quality in a Veterinary Clinic?

Veterinary clinics have a very specific exposure profile. In the course of a single day, activities may include consultations, surgical procedures under general anesthesia, dental care that generates aerosols, handling of specimens, cleaning and disinfection procedures, and the hospitalization of animals. Each of these activities has its own sources of emissions and contributes to changes in air quality.

Contrary to what one might think, two facilities of comparable size do not necessarily have the same levels of exposure. The products used, the layout of the premises, work practices, the number of procedures performed, and the performance of the ventilation system all have a significant impact on the concentrations observed.

Measuring air quality thus makes it possible to move from a subjective perception to an objective assessment. The results highlight the situations involving the highest exposure, enable the prioritization of preventive measures, and provide concrete data to support the occupational risk prevention process and the DUERP.

The Main Pollutants Encountered in Veterinary Practice

Anesthetic Gases

Isoflurane and sevoflurane are widely used during surgical procedures. Even when equipment is properly maintained, low-level emissions may occur during induction, intubation, or recovery. These emissions are generally invisible and vary depending on work practices and the equipment used.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Cleaning and disinfecting products, certain solvents, and laboratory supplies can emit volatile organic compounds. Their concentration fluctuates throughout the day and depends directly on the clinic’s practices. Without measurement, these variations generally go unnoticed.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde may be present during the handling or storage of certain specimens intended for pathological examination. Its presence warrants special attention in the context of chemical risk prevention.

Fine Particles

Veterinary dental care, certain surgical procedures, cleaning procedures, and the movement of animals generate particles of various sizes that may remain suspended in the air after the activity has ended.

Microorganisms and Bioaerosols

The presence of animals, care procedures, handling, cage cleaning, and certain other procedures can contribute to the release of microorganisms of animal or environmental origin—such as bacteria, viruses, fungal spores, and other biological particles—into the air. Their presence and concentration vary depending on the activity, the premises, air exchange rates, and hygiene practices. Controlling these pathogens is therefore an additional preventive measure, particularly in areas housing sick or vulnerable animals.

Animal Allergens

Animal hair, dander, and other allergens are naturally present in veterinary clinics. Their concentration depends, in particular, on the number of animals treated, their species, cleaning practices, and air exchange rates.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

CO₂ is not a toxic pollutant at the concentrations typically found indoors. However, it serves as an excellent indicator of air exchange and helps determine whether ventilation is sufficient during periods of occupancy.

Good ventilation does not always guarantee good air quality

Regularly opening windows or using mechanical ventilation are essential practices. They help prevent the buildup of stale air in rooms and maintain acceptable CO₂ levels.

However, a low concentration of CO₂ does not necessarily mean that all other pollutants are under control.

In many veterinary clinics, monitoring campaigns show that air exchange is satisfactory, even though certain activities occasionally generate high concentrations of fine particles, volatile organic compounds, or formaldehyde. These emissions sometimes last only a few minutes but occur several times a day.

That is why a comprehensive assessment of air quality relies on the simultaneous measurement of several parameters, rather than on monitoring CO₂ alone.

The Main Sources of Pollution in Veterinary Clinics

An approach based on gathering data before making any decisions

At NatéoSanté, we are convinced that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for improving air quality in a veterinary clinic. Each facility has its own organizational structure, practices, and sources of exposure. As a result, two facilities of the same size may have very different pollution profiles.

That is why we prefer a step-by-step approach. Before recommending changes to practices or the installation of air-treatment equipment, we first seek to understand what is actually happening within your facility.

Our assessment is conducted over a full week of normal operations, without disrupting your workflow or changing the team’s routines. The goal is to observe the clinic as it operates on a day-to-day basis, in order to obtain an accurate snapshot of the exposures that healthcare professionals actually face.

From Assessment to Implementation of Collective Protective Equipment

When measurements reveal exposures that cannot be sufficiently reduced through aeration, ventilation, work organization, or source emission control, air treatment can supplement the preventive measures already in place.

NatéoSanté designs and manufactures the EOLIS Air Manager professional solutions in France, which combine several air-treatment technologies: high-efficiency HEPA filtration to capture fine particles and aerosols, activated carbon filtration to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors, as well as complementary technologies tailored to healthcare environments.

The solution is tailored based on the results of the assessment, the size and layout of the premises, the activities carried out, and the pollutants identified. A clinic may therefore require different solutions depending on the specific areas involved: treatment rooms, dental offices, inpatient units, laboratories, or operating rooms.

A solution available under an operational lease

To facilitate implementation and long-term monitoring, EOLIS Air Manager equipment can also be offered through an operating lease as part of a service contract.

This plan allows you to have the right equipment without a significant upfront investment, while keeping your monthly budget under control. Depending on the plan you choose, it may include the supply of consumables, their replacement based on the device’s actual usage, as well as remote monitoring of its operation and access to support services.

The goal is not simply to install equipment, but to ensure that the air treatment solution continues to perform effectively over time and to simplify its day-to-day management for the clinic’s staff.

Expertise tailored to high-risk professions

Since 2009, NatéoSanté has been supporting professionals facing indoor air quality challenges in their assessment and prevention efforts.

Our expertise is based on a simple belief: it’s better to measure before taking action.

Over the years, we have developed an approach that combines assessment, analysis of results, and personalized support. This method allows us to tailor our recommendations to the realities of each industry and provide concrete solutions to the challenges encountered in the field.

As a French manufacturer of air quality measurement and treatment solutions, we currently work with numerous healthcare facilities, local governments, businesses, and public-facing organizations. The experience we have gained in a wide variety of environments informs our understanding of occupational exposures and the solutions available to reduce them.

Our goal is not only to improve air quality, but also to provide long-term support to institutions in their efforts to prevent occupational hazards.

Frequently Asked Questions