Health-related indicators of indoor air quality

Abstract

As buildings became more airtight in the 1970s, the health effects of the indoor air environment received more attention. Building materials and materials used in furnishing are potential determinants of air quality. Occupancy and activity patterns also have their impact on the quality of indoor air. This becomes apparent when occupancy rate is high relative to the intake of clean air, and even in a ‘clean environment,’ such as the home, school classroom, or office, users introduce many chemical substances, such as personal care products, air fresheners, and cleaning products. These chemicals are beneficial in most cases, but may be adverse in others depending also on the specific acquired susceptibility in a minority of the population. Other contemporary topics that will be addressed are the relative contribution of indoor and outdoor sources of air pollution, formation of pollutants by ozone-initiated chemistry, and the use of indicators to assess the health impact of indoor air quality.