In containment, what is the term for air pressure that is intentionally lower inside a room than in adjacent spaces?

In containment, what is the term for air pressure that is intentionally lower inside a room than in adjacent spaces?

• A. Positive pressure
• B. Ventilated pressure
• C. Negative pressure
• D. Laminar airflow

Answer: (C)

Negative pressure is used in containment to keep hazardous or unwanted air from escaping the room. By making the air inside the room have lower pressure than the surrounding areas, air naturally flows into the room when doors or other openings are present. This inward flow helps contain contaminants, preventing them from migrating to hallways or adjacent spaces. If the room were at positive pressure, air would tend to move outward, which could push contaminants into surrounding areas. Laminar airflow describes a smooth, layered flow pattern rather than a pressure differential, and “ventilated pressure” isn’t a standard term in containment.

Negative pressure is used in containment to keep hazardous or unwanted air from escaping the room. By making the air inside the room have lower pressure than the surrounding areas, air naturally flows into the room when doors or other openings are present. This inward flow helps contain contaminants, preventing them from migrating to hallways or adjacent spaces. If the room were at positive pressure, air would tend to move outward, which could push contaminants into surrounding areas. Laminar airflow describes a smooth, layered flow pattern rather than a pressure differential, and “ventilated pressure” isn’t a standard term in containment.