WHITE BOOK - Indoor Air Quality: issues, regulations and initiatives

The Indoor Air Quality guide

Indoor air pollution is often greater than outdoor air pollution, which is one of the key issues in air quality. This was highlighted during the Covid crisis, when poor ventilation of enclosed spaces led to the spread of pollutants in many buildings. This crisis underlined the importance of maintaining good ventilation and effective aeration to ensure the health of occupants, whether in local authorities or the private sector. IAQ control solutions have been put in place to improve the monitoring of pollutants and limit the negative effects on health.

Measuring air quality in buildings is now essential for limiting health risks in public establishments, schools and workplaces. Concrete action is needed to limit exposure to pollutants and to comply with air quality regulations, particularly as regards levels of CO2, VOCs and fine particles.

Recurring questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Indoor Air Quality (IAQ):

• What is IAQ and why is it important for our health?
• What are the most common pollutants present in indoor air?
• How can pollution levels be interpreted and measures taken to protect occupants?
• What are the IAQ regulatory issues and what action needs to be taken to ensure compliance with standards?

In this white paper, we provide detailed answers to these questions and suggest solutions for improving air quality in your buildings, while complying with constantly changing regulations.

The program

• Take an in-depth look at indoor air quality, with figures on the state of IAQ in France and nationwide.
• Learn to understand the different pollutants present in air, such as fine particles, CO2 and VOCs, and their health effects on occupants.
• Understand the economic and social issues associated with poor indoor air quality and pollution in buildings, and find out how players in the sector can adopt appropriate solutions.
• Discover the measures that can be put in place to combat indoor pollution and improve ventilation in living and working spaces.
• Find out about various solutions, such as air quality sensors, which can measure indoor air quality in real time and take corrective action.

Solutions to Improve Indoor Air Quality

To ensure a healthy, breathable indoor environment, a number of solutions can be put in place:

• Controlled mechanical ventilation systems (CMV): These systems ensure constant ventilation of spaces, renewing the air to evacuate pollutants and maintain a healthy CO2 level.
  
  
• Air quality sensors: These devices monitor indoor air quality in real time and take appropriate action as soon as abnormal levels of pollutants are detected.
  
  
• Eco-friendly, non-polluting materials: Choosing sustainable building materials with low VOC emissions helps to reduce indoor pollution right from the design stage.
  
  
• Adaptive action plans: The implementation of strategies, including regular maintenance of ventilation systems and the introduction of solutions to optimise air quality, is essential to guarantee the sustainability of IAQ improvements.