This report reviews issues the infection control professional should consider related to construction and renovation projects in health care facilities. Preventing transmission of infectious agents to vulnerable patient populations, health care workers, and visitors remains an important component of infection control programs. Environmental dispersal of microorganisms during construction, resulting in nosocomial infections, has been described previously, and select examples are provided in Table I as a reminder that there is a solid, scientific basis for these concerns. Environmental airborne contaminants and infectious agents are closely related to water and moisture-related conditions and figure prominently in construction activity. Weems et al have established construction activity as an independent variable for infectious risks in such circumstances. Construction-related outbreak literature will not be revisited in detail; however, pertinent citations will identify resources as appropriate. (AJIC Am J Infect Control 2000;28:156-69)

I. CURRENT BASIS OF STRATEGIC PLANNING AND THE ROLE OF INFECTION CONTROL
- AIA Guidelines- Implementation
II. CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION POLICY
- Elements
- Process
III. INFECTION CONTROL IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND RENOVATION
- Planning—design and preconstruction
- Postconstruction and cleanup- Monitoring activities during construction
IV. ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES AND REMEDIATION
- Contamination of ventilation in surgical suites or other invasive areas
- Water contamination
- Surfaces: design or disruption/damage issues
- Furnishings, fixtures, and equipment
V. RESEARCH NEEDS
- References