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 pages 17-18 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
10. Those responsible for construction, maintenance and repair of building must avoid the use of harmful chemicals and pollutants. This needs to be supported by clear labelling and a national system for control, in line with recommendation number 1. Attention should be paid when substituting materials or changing ventilation levels during construction and maintenance to ensure they meet the same, or higher, performance standards. Building managers must keep the air quality under review as they maintain and operate the property, providing residents with an effective channel to raise concerns.
11. With new or renovated buildings the ventilation, and heating or cooling should be designed to:
(a) Account for the location of nearby outdoor pollution sources, and any barriers to opening windows (noise, pollution, or security).
(b) Take a performance-based approach which delivers effective ventilation while reducing energy demand and carbon emissions.
(c) Avoid using gas heating and burning wood or coal for heating.
(d) Correctly install and test systems after occupancy, providing clear instructions for use.
12. Professional bodies for design and construction should provide or accredit training about indoor air quality. This should provide high standards for ventilation, energy efficiency, and reduction in exposure to allergens and pollutants.
13. Building professionals should ensure adequate ventilation is included in planning renovation and refurbishment works for existing properties while reducing energy demand and carbon emissions, in line with the newly released PAS2035 (Specification for the energy retrofit of domestic buildings).