[Air quality in residences and places of work]

The air quality inside of buildings depends on the contaminaton of the air outside as well as on the air pollution inside the room. The human being contaminates the air through carbon dioxide, odors, vapors and particulates. The most important sources of pollution are tobacco smoke (especially particulate matter, aldehydes and carbon monoxide), consumer materials (organic solvents), building materials and furniture fittings (Formaldehyd), as well as the use of gas for cooking and heating purposes (nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide). More importance has to be attributed to the injurious effects of the various contaminants because of the reduced ventilation rate in order to save energy. When estimating the possible health damages and annoyances, the long-term effects have to be considered, thereby the increased sensibility of children, of ill and old people have to be taken into account. The health aspects are therefore a decisive criterium for guidelines concerning construction and minimum ventilation rates.