Indoor air policy perspectives

Although there is a long history of regulating and controlling outdoor air quality, theindoor environment has generally been neglected, even though it is well understoodthat there are significant sources of pollution in the indoor environment and it isindoors where people spend the vast majority of their time.Pollutants encountered indoors are known to have the potential to cause adversehealth impacts (1), so it is reasonable to consider what policies might be helpful forpreventing or mitigating these effects. A number of possible approaches to improvingindoor air quality are discussed in this paper in relation to a wider strategic approach,including: assessing the impact of particular indoor air pollutants through an appraisalof hazard, exposure and risk; source control and ventilation, development of exposureguidelines and product and appliance emission standards; legislation; informationdissemination (e.g. guidance for the public), education and training; and influencingthe designers, builders and managers/ operators of buildings.This paper focuses on policies for non-industrial buildings such as homes, schools andoffices, but the principles apply also to enclosed spaces such as vehicles. Industrialand other regulated environments are excluded from consideration. The principalconcern is indoor climate and chemical and biological contaminants of indoor air;other aspects such as noise, lighting and electromagnetic radiation are not included.