There is a pressing need for government bodies and organizations to urgently establish, enact, and uphold standards for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). While outdoor air has traditionally been the focus of regulatory efforts, the fact that people in developed nations now spend over 90% of their time indoors has shifted the spotlight to indoor air quality. This shift is not without reason, as indoor air quality has a significant and long-lasting impact on our health. The severity of the situation is underscored by the direct transmission route of tiny airborne particles from the lungs into the bloodstream, which can trigger a host of diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the role of indoor air in pathogen spread, making the need for IAQ standards even more urgent.
The authors suggest that initiating regulatory measures should target pollutants that are not only straightforward to measure but also signify more significant health risks. PM2.5, the fine airborne particles, are mentioned as fitting these criteria. Due to its health implications, monitoring carbon monoxide (CO) levels is also deemed essential, particularly in developing economies. Furthermore, elevated indoor CO2 levels can indicate overcrowding and insufficient ventilation, raising the potential for pathogen spread. Enhanced ventilation filtration and cleaning technologies are recommended to counteract this. Mechanical ventilation is necessary in cities with poor outdoor air quality. Meanwhile, the authors emphasize the importance of choosing the right ventilation system, like displacement ventilation for schools and personal ventilation for offices, stating that merely opening a window is insufficient.
Implementing IAQ standards faces multiple challenges, including the complexity of indoor air quality monitoring due to varying room uses and unpredictable pollutant levels. Human respiration is a primary source of indoor pollutants, adding to the complexity. Additionally, introducing new regulations is often met with resistance from industries that would incur additional costs or need to adjust strategically. The authors point to the nightlife industry’s current ventilation standards, which fall significantly short of the World Health Organisation’s recommendations for infection prevention. The economic, cultural, and political ramifications of IAQ standards in certain regions are acknowledged, indicating that compromises may sometimes be necessary.
Despite the challenges, this publication asserts that the benefits of establishing IAQ standards far outweigh the drawbacks. The evidence is clear-air pollution has dire consequences for both the economy and public health. The active involvement of the authors in research and advocacy to combat these effects, along with their numerous contributions to initiatives and committees, is a testament to the potential of IAQ standards. This Science publication is a significant milestone in the collective efforts of Bluyssen, Boerstra, and their 37 colleagues, advancing technology, conducting air quality research, and promoting IAQ standards. It marks a pivotal step in public health and safety advocacy, instilling hope for a healthier and safer future.
More information: Lidia Morawska et al, Mandating indoor air quality for public buildings, Science. DOI: 10.1126/science.adl0677
Journal information: Science Provided by Delft University of Technology
