Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a subject that has attracted increasing attention in recent years, particularly since the worldwide epidemic of COVID-19 and its confinements. While many people think of air pollution as a problem confined to outdoor environments, it is now clear that air pollution inside buildings can have a significant impact on human health. This parallel has been drawn since the 1970s, with the emergence of sick building syndrome. The subject is therefore not new.
Why Indoor Air Quality?
Most of us spend most of our time indoors, whether at home, in the office, at school or in other enclosed spaces such as public places and transport. This can account for up to 90% of our time. Unfortunately, modern buildings are often built airtight for energy efficiency reasons. This means that indoor air can become trapped and loaded with pollutants. The sources of pollution can be diverse, such as :
- Building materials ;
- Furniture;
- Cleaning products ;
- Heating and air-conditioning equipment.
Even the presence of mold and dust mites is a source of pollution and not to be taken lightly for our health.
Breathing polluted indoor air can lead to a variety of health problems, including respiratory tract irritation, allergies, headaches and fatigue. More serious problems can also arise, such as asthma, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Conversely, good indoor air quality has a positive impact on occupants’ sense of well-being. It also improves children’s concentration and learning.
As a result, establishments open to the public and educational establishments are subject to regulations that will be updated by the end of 2022. They will be joined by social structures, healthcare establishments and prisons receiving minors from January1, 2025.
Objectives to be achieved thanks to IAQ regulations.
The main aim of Indoor Air Quality regulations is to prevent the health risks associated with poor indoor air quality. By setting strict guidelines, regulations aim to reduce occupants’ exposure to harmful pollutants and minimize adverse health effects. This can take the form of :
- Use low-emission building materials
- Install efficient ventilation systems
- Control air quality in enclosed spaces
- Limit the use of potentially hazardous chemicals.
To this end, regulations have also defined acceptable levels for various indoor pollutants, mainly CO2, benzene and formaldehyde.
Another important facet of Indoor Air Quality regulations is public awareness and education. Regulations encourage the dissemination of information on the dangers of indoor air pollution and the measures to be taken to improve air quality in buildings. Awareness campaigns, training programs and educational resources are available. By educating the public, IAQ regulations aim to encourage informed choices. It also encourages the adoption of good practices to maintain a healthy indoor environment. As a result, most of the actions required to meet regulatory standards are to be carried out by building occupants. This further reinforces the educational purpose of the regulations.
How can our products meet these challenges?
Indoor Air Quality regulations specify the use of a direct-reading CO2 sensor. The choice of continuous CO2 measurement is explained by the fact that it is the best index of containment. Human presence increases the CO2 content of a room exponentially. Insufficient air renewal will therefore increase this concentration.
RISE is your ideal ally for measuring Indoor Air Quality. It measures temperature, humidity and CO2 in real time. Thanks to its LEDs, it’s easy to know when it’s time to air a room. This product is also available with an e-Ink display, for precise and instantaneous reading of the various parameters measured.