Challenges in IAQ for Indoor Spaces: A Comparison of the Reference Guideline Values of Indoor Air Pollutants from the Governments and International Institutions

Abstract

Since people spend most of their time inside buildings, indoor air quality (IAQ) remains a highlighted topic to ensure in the built environment to improve public health, especially for vulnerable users. To achieve a better indoor environment quality (IEQ), some countries’ governments or regional institutions have developed and published reference guideline values of various air pollutants to prevent the IAQ from becoming adverse to occupants. Beyond guidelines by World Health Organization (WHO), in some countries, there are specific institutional requirements on the IAQ, and others integrated it into the building regulation for the built environment. This paper is based on the literature research, summarized from previously conducted works by the authors, on the chemical reference values of IAQ-related regulations and guidelines published by several Governments or related institutions from various regions around the World. Despite these efforts at standardization and legislation, many indoor air quality monitoring activities conducted in several countries still fall short of the main indications produced. By comparing the reference values of 35 pollutants, both physical and chemical ones, which are proposed in documents from 23 regions included so far, the IAQ research and prevention actions on progress in different regions should be included in monitoring plans with guidelines/reference values in their current state. The outcome of the paper is to define the current trends and suggest some perspectives on the field of interest for improving the indoor air quality of generic spaces at an international level. It becomes evident that, at the global level, IAQ represents a complex political, social, and health challenge, which still suffers from the absence of a systematic and harmonized approach. This is not a new situation; the issue was raised more than 40 years ago, and despite efforts and a pandemic, the situation has not changed.

Environmental factors and particle size shape the community structure of airborne total and pathogenic bacteria in a university campus

“…In April 2022, under clear weather conditions, TSP, PM 10 , and PM 2.5 samples were collected at the nine different sites, resulting in a total of 27 samples ( Supplementary Table S1 ). Sample collection was achieved using a medium-flow particulate sampler (Lao Ying Model 2030, Qingdao Laoshan Applied Technology Research Institute, China) at the height of the breathing zone (1.5 m above the ground) ( 26 ), with a continuous flow rate of 100 L/min for 6 h (9:00 to 15:00). Each sample was collected from a volume of approximately 36 m 3 of air.…”

Comparative Analysis of Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Comfort Standards in School Buildings across New Zealand with Other OECD Countries

“…Two distinct levels were identified within the context category: macro and micro. The macro level encompassed climatic and outdoor conditions such as weather patterns or seasonal variations, while the micro level focused on factors like outdoor temperature and airflow through windows [41]. Occupant-related aspects were found to play a crucial role and included behavioural actions, the number of occupants, specific tasks performed within the dwelling, the age and nutritional habits of occupants, maintenance and operational practices, the duration of time spent indoors, and the individual comfort levels of occupants [42].…”

What is the “DNA” of healthy buildings? A critical review and future directions

“…As afore discussed, it is clear that it is beneficial to take some appropriate measures to promote healthy building performance before building construction, during building construction and after building construction. However, healthy buildings contain metrics, such as IAQ, that are complex problems that can not be fundamentally solved by implementing a few simple actions [ 145 ]. The reason is that healthy buildings concern occupants, and as people's understanding of health increases and technology changes, the demand for health becomes higher.…”