Improving indoor air quality is not the responsibility of individuals, one industry, one profession or one government department. We must work together to make safe air for children a reality.
Below is an extract of the recommendations made by the Indoor Air Quality Working Party from page 14 of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal College of Physicians (2020) publication: The inside story: Health effects of indoor air quality on children and young people. You can find out more about the report here (opens new tab) and download the full report here
- The Government should establish a cross-government committee to co-ordinate working in health, environment, education and homes for indoor air quality.
This committee should:
(a) Develop a national strategy and policy for indoor air quality, including steps to raise public understanding of indoor air quality. The strategy should designate a ministerial lead to report on the work to the Cabinet.
(b) Set emission standards and a labelling system for building materials, furniture, and home decorating, products, based on any health hazards.
(c) Restrict the use of hazardous VOCs in personal care and cleaning products. Public Health England have produced a review of specific VOCs which would help to inform this. People need clear information to support choice and enable substitution of less-polluting products.
(d) Use regulations to take a precautionary approach to restrict the use of chemicals which have not been tested for their potential health effects.
(e) Set quality standards for home air quality monitors, air filtration and air cleaning devices, to protect consumers from ineffective devices and ensure they do not re-introduce pollutants.