Indoor air quality refers to the aerosol and gas content, temperature, and humidity of the air inside a structure. In the case of human habitation, the quality of the air is determined by its ability to maintain the health and well-being of humans occupying the structure. In the case of manufacturing processes, the quality of air is determined by the ability to cost-effectively produce high quality products inside the structure.
The most important part of indoor Air quality is the cleanliness of the air. Air contamination consist of particles, gases and vapours that may reduce the well-being and health of humans and decrese the output and efficiency of production processes.
Outdoor air pollution infiltrates into buildings. Without appropriate ventilation, it accumulates and can even react with other indoor air pollutants.
Indoor air pollution is made of outdoor air pollutants, including heating and traffic particles and gases that infiltrate into our buildings as well as chemicals emissions from building materials, DIY products, cleaning products, air fresheners, combustion particles from heating, cooking and candles, pets allergens, electronics and appliances offgasing…
- We spend close to 90% of our lives indoors. (1)
- Indoor air can be up to 50 times more polluted than outdoors. (1)
What is out daily air environment?
- A big part of the population lives and works in areas where the rates of particles exceed WHO guidelines.
- Barcelona (27μg/m3/year), Vienna (21,6), Brussels (19), Paris (16,4), London (13,1), Stockholm (9,4)
- We eat 1kg of food per day
- We drink 2 litres per day
- We breathe 25kg of air per day!
References:
(1) European Union – ECA report n°23 Ventilation, Good Indoor Air Quality and Rational Use of Energy
Netherlands