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Alaska Nurses Sick Amid Hospital Air Quality Fears
26 Nov
Summary
- Nurses report recurring symptoms like headaches and breathing issues.
- Two state investigations have examined hazardous air conditions.
- Hospital claims environmental tests show air quality is safe.
Nurses at Alaska Regional Hospital have raised serious concerns over suspected hazardous air conditions, leading to a pattern of reported illnesses. Since April, over 30 nurses have experienced symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, rashes, and breathing difficulties, with some even passing out at work. These health issues are primarily concentrated on the hospital's second floor.
The Alaska Occupational Safety and Health section has launched two investigations into the matter. The first, conducted earlier in the year, found no definitive source for the contamination. A subsequent complaint in September prompted the ongoing second investigation. Nurses suspect odorless vapors from the San-I-Pak medical waste system or the associated ventilation could be the cause.
HCA Healthcare, the hospital's owner, stated that extensive environmental testing has been completed by various experts and agencies, all indicating normal air quality. They claim to have taken steps to research and mitigate potential issues. However, nurses express skepticism about the thoroughness of the testing and worry about the long-term consequences of their exposure, urging for a permanent solution.
