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Why is indoor air quality a health issue?
On average, we spend 85% of our time in enclosed spaces. Or, certain pollutants are present in indoor air, often in higher concentrations than in outdoor air. Health problems linked to poor indoor air quality include headaches, nausea, fatigue, asthma, respiratory system pathologies (bronchitis, rhinitis, respiratory allergies), fatal or disabling poisoning, cancers.
Some indoor air pollutants are carcinogenic and/or are endocrine disruptors. Conversely, good indoor air quality has a positive effect on occupant absenteeism and well-being, as well as on children's learning.
Indoor air pollutants and their sources
The main indoor air pollutants are chemical pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), radon, nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); bio-contaminants such as molds, pollen, dust mite or cockroach allergens and finally particles and fibers such as asbestos or man-made mineral fibers.
Humidity in a dwelling is not a pollutant in itself, but can accelerate the development of mold and dust mites.
Aside from building regulations and the Departmental Health Regulations, there are no standards, strictly speaking, on indoor air quality parameters in the home. On the other hand, specific regulations cover the monitoring of indoor air quality in certain establishments open to the public, notably crèches, leisure centers, schools.
Indoor air renewal, a necessity to evacuate pollutants and humidity
In addition to limiting the sources of pollutants (limiting the number of household products...), it is necessary to renew indoor air via a fresh air supply, to evacuate these pollutants but also CO2. The latter is a good indicator of air confinement.
Renewing indoor air also helps to evacuate humidity and contributes to thermal comfort.
What is the City of Montpellier doing to improve indoor air quality?
The local authority plans to install sensors in all of Montpellier's schools and nurseries to assess the level of air confinement and encourage the premises to be aired as soon as necessary. A review with the department in charge of contracts has also been launched to use household products that are more respectful of the environment and health in municipal schools and crèches.
Workshops to raise awareness of air quality and targeted training for school and crèche staff are underway.
Adopting the right gestures to improve indoor air quality
- I air several times a day for about ten minutes
- I don't smoke indoors
- I dust furniture with a damp cloth
- I don't use air fresheners, incense or home perfume
- I choose cleaning products with a label
- I opt for paints and carpet glues with an "A+ indoor air emissions" label, which indicates a product's low level of volatile pollutant emissions
- I opt for anti-dust mite bedding (latex stuffing, cotton, wool)
- I avoid anti-dust mite treatments containing chemical substances
- I avoid insecticides in aerosol cans or electric diffusers
- I fight against humidity
- For my wood heating, I prefer an efficient appliance with a label. Bonnes pratiques sur "Bien se chauffer au bois"
- Je privilégie des produits naturels ou labellisés pour l'entretien
- J'entretiens mon installation de chauffage
Source ATMO France
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