source: Chemical Sensitivity Network

Silvia K. Müller of the Chemical Sensitivity Network reports that the Agaplesion Diakonie Hospital in Hamburg, Germany has designed two environmentally controlled rooms for people with chemical sensitivities and environmental allergies. These clean air accommodations are the result of the tireless efforts of local support groups that have been working toward this goal for years. In addition to safer building materials used in the construction of the rooms, the hospital staff will also provide appropriate care for the chemically sensitive patient.

Some of the special materials used in the construction of the environmentally safer rooms:

• Walls and ceilings painted with lime paint.
• Rooms are equipped with a wall heater.
• Floor is made of ceramic tiles.
• Window and door frames are insulated with hemp.
• Doors are made of glass.
• Furniture is made of enamel, metal, or stainless steel.

In addition, exposure to electromagnetic fields has been reduced through several measures, including through the installation of power circuit breakers.

Some of the specific features of MCS-appropriate patient care:

• Attention is given to see if there are scented products in patient vicinity.
• Information about the patient’s food intolerances and allergies to medications and anesthetics is put into their medical chart so all medical personnel can access it throughout their stay.
• Fragrance-free cleaning agents are used to clean the room, along with effective microorganisms to disinfect and neutralize odors.
• A refrigerator is available in the room for patients who must bring their own food.
• Hospital bedding is fragrance-free but patients are permitted to bring their own bedding.

Additional measures taken for environmental patients:

• Fragrance-/chemical-free products are available for patients’ use as well as their visitors.
• Cell phones and smoking are not permitted in the area.

Thank you to Germany for being a leader in providing an appropriate medical environment for those with chemical sensitivities and environmental allergies. We envision a day when these will not be considered as special accommodations for vulnerable populations in isolated cities, but the gold standard for entire hospitals all over the world. We all deserve to receive health care in a health-supportive environment with the highest indoor air quality and organic, allergen-free food. read the original report on the CSN blog