Housing and health: Indoor air quality.

Abstract

Stella Lowry, MB, assistant editor BrMedJ 1989;299:1388-90 Most people know that outdoor air pollution can damage their health, but few pay any attention to the quality of indoor air. Yet we spend about 80% of our time indoors, as much as three quarters of this in our own homes. Elderly people, mothers and young children, and the sick spend most time at home and may also be particularly sensitive to any health effects of pollutants. As fuel costs have risen people have tried to conserve energy by making their homes more airtight?using double glazing, cavity wall insulation, draught proofing, and loft insulation. But this also means that any contaminants are less diluted by incoming air.