What is the role of negative air pressure in an animal facility?

Negative air pressure plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and controlled environment within an animal facility. Specifically, it is designed to prevent airborne contaminants from escaping the designated areas where animals are housed, such as biocontainment facilities or quarantine rooms. By establishing negative pressure, the airflow is directed inward toward the room, ensuring that any potential pathogens, allergens, or other harmful particles are contained within the space. This practice not only protects the animals but also safeguards the facility staff and the external environment from contamination.

In contrast, enhancing airflow for animal comfort focuses on providing a pleasant environment for the animals, which does not primarily involve negative pressure. Similarly, while improving temperature regulation is essential for animal health, it does not directly relate to the concept of negative air pressure. Facilitating cleaning processes may benefit from proper ventilation, but it is not the primary function of negative air pressure, which is mainly about containment and controlling the spread of contaminants.