Why should faucet aerators be removed from patient care areas?

• A. To improve water aesthetics.
• B. To mitigate the growth of waterborne organisms.
• C. To reduce noise.
• D. To increase water flow.

Answer: (B)

Faucet aerators can create a small, sheltered space at the outlet where water can linger and biofilms can form. In patient care areas, these biofilms can harbor waterborne organisms and be dispersed as aerosols when the faucet is used. Removing aerators reduces such habitats and the potential for microbial growth, lowering the risk of exposure to patients and staff. While removing aerators changes flow and may increase splash or noise, the primary infection prevention goal is to minimize the opportunity for waterborne pathogens to grow and be dispersed.