[Indoor air pollution-current fields of action]

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Building Science
• Toxicology

Background:

• Indoor environments in Central Europe expose occupants to various gaseous and particulate pollutants.
• These pollutants originate from building materials, activities, and reduced ventilation rates.
• Adverse health effects are a significant concern due to prolonged indoor exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compile and review current strategies for improving indoor air quality (IAQ).
• To highlight key areas of discussion among the public, experts, and scientists.
• To address the complexity of IAQ influenced by new chemicals and reduced ventilation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current research and expert discussions.
• Analysis of factors affecting IAQ, including ventilation, building product emissions, and mould.
• Examination of IAQ assessment methods and human biomonitoring for exposure determination.

Main Results:

• Key action areas include building ventilation, control of building product emissions, and management of particulate matter.
• Detection and prevention of mould are critical for maintaining healthy indoor environments.
• IAQ assessment relies on guidance values, and internal exposure is determined via biomonitoring.

Conclusions:

• Indoor air quality is a dynamic and increasingly complex field.
• The interaction of new indoor chemicals and reduced ventilation rates complicates health impact prediction.
• Proactive strategies addressing ventilation, emissions, and mould are essential for public health.