EU regulations and guidelines

EU Legislative Framework on Indoor Air Quality

IAQ is recognised as a critical determinant of health by the World Health Organization, highlighting the potential health risks from indoor pollutants. However, while there are comprehensive regulations for outdoor air quality, there is no specific European Union directive exclusively addressing IAQ (RL20). Pre-legislative initiatives, research, standards, and guidelines have been introduced, but a unified policy on IAQ is yet to be established in the European Union.

Initiatives like the European Collaborative Action have studied IAQ's impact on human activities, but a cohesive approach remains elusive. Despite the absence of an integrated IAQ policy, the Zero Pollution Action Plan, European Parliament resolutions, and European Commission communications emphasise the importance of considering IAQ alongside outdoor air quality. Furthermore, projects like the Evidence Drive Air Quality Improvement (EDIAQI), funded under the Horizon Europe programme, are currently underway with the aim to support the formation of European level action and legislative development and implementation vis-à-vis IAQ.

Member State Level Legislation

In various European Union member states, diverse approaches have been taken to address IAQ through a series of actions and national level legislative measures. This patchwork of efforts aims to improve IAQ standards and protection across different countries. Measures by member states include the establishment of national IAQ plans, drafting legislative acts specifically tailored for indoor environments, and the implementation of mandatory indoor air monitoring activities. Additionally, training and informational programs target technical offices, managers, and staff to enhance their awareness and understanding of IAQ matters. In some countries member states specific legislations and reference ISO standards have been introduced for each pollutant.

However, a prevailing challenge in this process has been the absence of dedicated IAQ sampling and analysis standards. The confusion stemming from the utilisation of standards designed for industrial environments, such as those by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which have milligram per cubic meter (mg/m³) sensitivities that differ significantly from indoor microgram per cubic meter (µg/m³) concentrations. The adoption of the ISO 16000 standard represents a notable improvement in this regard, enhancing the study and control activities related to IAQ and facilitating a more coherent and comprehensive approach to IAQ management.

European Union Indoor Air Quality Legislative Framework

Within the European Union's legislative framework, there are key directives that touch upon maintaining certain standards for IAQ. However, these references are rather vague and not specifically focused on IAQ in an explicit manner.

The 1989 Council Directive concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the workplace mandated sufficient fresh air to accommodate the working conditions and physical demands placed on workers. It emphasised the need to maintain working ventilation systems, including forced ventilation, and addressed issues related to air-conditioning or mechanical ventilation installations to ensure workers' comfort and health. Similarly, Regulation EU No 305/2011 outlines conditions for the marketing of construction products, including aspects related to hygiene, health, and the environment. While this regulation touches on the release of toxic gases, emissions of dangerous substances, and particles into indoor and outdoor air, it does not explicitly delve into comprehensive standards for IAQ.

Both directives acknowledge the importance of IAQ in their broader contexts, such as worker health and safety and environmental impact, yet they lack specific, detailed guidelines exclusively dedicated to IAQ. As such, while these directives set a foundation for addressing related concerns, they do not offer comprehensive and focused guidance for maintaining optimal IAQ standards.

EU Ambient Air Quality Directives

The European Union's Ambient Air Quality Directives address outdoor air quality within the troposphere, excluding indoor environments and workplaces subject to health and safety at work regulations. These directives, implemented since the 1980s, set air quality standards in the European Union for 12 pollutants, including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), ozone, benzene, lead, carbon monoxide, arsenic, cadmium, nickel, and benzo(a)pyrene (RL9). The core objectives of these directives aim to avoid, prevent, or reduce harmful effects on human health and the environment, with a focus on providing safe and healthy outdoor air.

The EU proposed revisions to the Ambient Air Quality Directives in 2022, aligning air quality standards with World Health Organisation recommendations, and aiming to achieve zero pollution for air by 2050. The revisions involve regular reviews of air quality standards, enhanced legal clarity, and support for local authorities in achieving cleaner air. The proposal is designed to provide greater clarity, access to justice, and better public information on air quality, alongside strengthening air quality monitoring and modelling efforts. While these directives have significantly improved outdoor air quality, they specifically pertain to outdoor air quality and not IAQ, although the Zero Pollution Action Plan does allude to IAQ.

Despite extensive policies, the European Union lacks a comprehensive European level legislative framework specifically addressing IAQ. Recognising the need for a more holistic approach to air pollution, there is a call for coherent and mutually reinforcing policies, ensuring health, safety, chemical, and building regulations are effectively aligned. While these directives contribute significantly to outdoor air quality improvement, they remain separate from any EU-wide initiatives addressing IAQ challenges.

Timeline of Ambient Air Quality Directives

•Directive 2004/107/EC relating to arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air.

•Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe.

•2011/850/EU: Commission Implementing Decision of 12 December 2011 laying down rules for Directives 2004/107/EC and 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the reciprocal exchange of information and reporting on ambient air quality.

•Commission Directive (EU) 2015/1480 amending several annexes to Directives 2004/107/EC and 2008/50/EC.

EU Ambient Air Quality Directive Revision (2022)

On 26 October 2022, as part of the European Green Deal, the Commission proposed a revision of the Ambient Air Quality Directives, which focuses exclusively on outdoor air quality standards. This revision aligns air quality standards more closely with the recommendations of the World Health Organization, including a reduction by over half in the annual limit value for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) (RL9). It's important to note that, similar to the existing Ambient Air Quality Directives, this revision specifically addresses outdoor air quality and does not encompass indoor air quality regulations. The proposal sets the EU on a path to achieve zero air pollution by 2050 and includes provisions for regular air quality standard reviews based on the latest scientific evidence. The revision also enhances the legal framework for access to justice, damage redress, penalties, and public information related to air quality. It aims to better support local authorities by strengthening air quality monitoring, modelling, and plans, while streamlining and simplifying the directives. It's worth mentioning that while this revision doesn't cover indoor air quality directly, the broader Zero Pollution Action Plan alludes to the significance of indoor air quality considerations.

European Parliament's Renewed Focus on Indoor Air Quality

In a significant Resolution of the European Parliament (A9-0037/2021), a renewed emphasis has been placed on the importance of IAQ. While the EU's framework for outdoor air quality policy is well-structured, the resolution acknowledges the fragmented nature of existing legislation covering IAQ. This recognition underlines the need for a more comprehensive European policy approach to air pollution, ensuring coherency between ambient air quality, health and safety at workplaces, chemical regulations, and building legislations, with the goal of safeguarding the well-being of workers and the general public from potentially hazardous substances present in indoor environments.

The European Parliament's resolution also sheds light on the evident knowledge and policy gaps in IAQ. Despite the reduction in emissions of particulate matter (PM10), data from the European Environment Agency reveals that a considerable segment of the urban population across Europe remains exposed to air pollution levels exceeding the World Health Organisation guideline values. This exposure is not limited to outdoor pollutants, as the resolution acknowledges the potential consequences of indoor air pollution, urging the European Commission to explore legislative remedies for all relevant sources of indoor air pollution.

Furthermore, the resolution highlights the socio-economic implications of this pollution, emphasising that marginalised socio-economic groups often experience heightened exposure due to proximity to pollution sources both outdoors, such as traffic and industrial areas, and indoors, like inefficient heating methods. In addressing these challenges, the resolution urges the European Commission to consider new indicators for air quality indices, reflecting factors such as population density around monitoring sites, to comprehensively assess the exposure of the general population to pollutants.

As part of its forward-looking recommendations, the European Parliament calls for the Commission to independently regulate IAQ or integrate it within sustainable building legislation, particularly focusing on confined spaces in public and commercial real estate. This move underscores the European Parliament's recognition of the need for comprehensive and tailored policies to address the diverse sources and implications of indoor air pollution, while aligning IAQ efforts with broader environmental and public health goals.

EU's Zero Pollution Action Plan and its Focus on Air Quality

The Zero Pollution Action Plan is a cornerstone initiative of the European Green Deal, aimed at comprehensively addressing pollution across different domains. Pollution, a significant threat to both health and the environment, has spurred the European Union to lead global efforts to address it. This plan encompasses a range of key objectives, primarily directed towards water, air, and soil pollution, with the overarching vision of achieving a pollution-free environment by 2050.

While the action plan is broad in scope, it explicitly underscores the significance of tackling air pollution as a fundamental concern. Among its pivotal objectives, the plan seeks to reduce health impacts caused by air pollution by more than 55%, resulting in a considerable decrease in premature deaths attributed to particulate matter by 2030. Additionally, the plan aims to reduce the extent of European ecosystems facing the threat of air pollution-related biodiversity loss by 25%.

The Zero Pollution Action Plan holds the potential to transform the European Union’s approach to pollution prevention, fostering a greener, digitally advanced, and economically vibrant Europe. It not only seeks to integrate pollution prevention across various policies but also endeavours to identify and address potential gaps in relevant legislation. Despite its clear focus on improving air quality as part of its holistic vision for pollution reduction, the plan does not currently encompass a specific, European Union wide legislative framework for IAQ. Notably, the importance of addressing indoor air pollution has been acknowledged in recent European Commission communications, indicating a growing awareness of the interconnectedness between indoor and outdoor air quality and the need for broader policy considerations.

Clean Air Policy within the Zero Pollution Action Plan

The Clean Air Policy component of the Zero Pollution Action Plan is a vital pillar in the European Union's determined efforts to enhance ambient air quality and address air pollution, thereby safeguarding both the environment and human health. With a holistic approach towards achieving the EU's overarching vision of zero pollution by 2050, the clean air policy is structured around three key pillars: establishing stringent ambient air quality standards, reducing air pollution emissions, and implementing emissions standards for critical pollution sources.

A cornerstone of this policy's aspirations is the European Union’s target to achieve a minimum 55% reduction in premature deaths attributed to particulate matter by 2030, underscoring the urgency of the issue. At its core, the Clean Air Policy not only seeks to directly improve public health and diminish instances of illness associated with air pollution but also endeavours to alleviate the strain air pollution places on ecosystems and biodiversity. By merging these objectives with a comprehensive approach to emissions reduction, the Clean Air Policy within the Zero Pollution Action Plan emerges as a crucial mechanism in the European Union’s broader drive towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment.

European Commission Communication: Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil

European Commission recognises the complex web of factors affecting IAQ and acknowledges that existing European Union policies have touched upon various determinants, encompassing aspects from ambient air to construction materials, consumer products, and occupational safety and health regulations. However, a comprehensive and integrated approach addressing IAQ remains absent within the European Union Legislative framework. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic's impact has placed a renewed emphasis on the critical need for maintaining clean indoor air environments, especially as building insulation advancements heighten the significance of IAQ. School buildings, in particular, are emphasised as deserving special attention, due to the particular health and well-being vulnerability of children to poor IAQ.

A recent communication from the European Commission concerning Zero Pollution for Air Water and Soil underlined policy and knowledge gaps in terms of IAQ while also highlight actions the European Commission has undertaken. These include flagship actions as part of its Zero Pollution Action Plan. These initiatives aim to holistically address urban pollution and foster greener cities. Within this context, the Commission intends to synergise various strategies, such as the Horizon Europe Mission for Climate Neutral and Smart Cities, the Covenant of Mayors, and the New European Bauhaus initiative, to pinpoint key requirements for urban innovation and greening, encompassing indoor air pollution prevention. By 2024, the European Commission also intends to commend cities making significant strides in reducing air, water, and soil pollution, thereby fostering tailored pollution mitigation strategies in local contexts.

The European Commission has set forth a concrete plan to assess pathways and policy options to improve IAQ, coupled with the proposal of relevant legislative measures. With a focus on key determinants and pollution sources, this endeavour strives to augment public awareness, diminish risks, and culminate in a more comprehensive, coherent approach to tackling IAQ challenges.

Horizon Europe Projects

The European Union has begun to place emphasis on filling knowledge and policy gaps vis-a-vis IAQ, particularly considering the increased times European citizen spent indoors in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This epitomised in seven projects funded via Horizon Europe programme under the topic Indoor air quality and health : InChildHealth, INQUIRE, K-HEALTHinAIR, LEARN, SynAir-G, and TwinAIR, alongside EDIAQI.

InChildHealth

The InChildHealth project integrates health, environmental, technical, and social sciences to assess IAQ and its impact on school children. It examines chemicals, particles, microorganisms, and physical factors in various spaces. By evaluating IAQ effects on health, including respiratory issues and allergies, through epidemiological studies and interventions in European cities, the project aims to enhance understanding of IAQ using novel approaches like cytotoxicity testing. The consortium covers diverse European countries and aims to create an integrated risk assessment tool for pollutants, develop user-friendly monitoring technology, and disseminate findings as guidelines to improve IAQ management in schools.

INQUIRE

The INQUIRE project aims to enhance IAQ and protect the health of European citizens, especially children. Focused on infants and young children up to 5 years old, the project conducts research to identify and reduce hazardous chemical and biological factors that affect IAQ in homes. Through innovative and non-invasive sampling methods, over 200 homes in eight countries are monitored for a month to understand IAQ determinants. The project's multidisciplinary approach combines chemical, biological, and toxicity analyses to identify sources and prioritise pollutants. Novel technologies and strategies for improving IAQ are tested, leading to evidence-based recommendations and potential policy strategies.

Knowledge for improving indoor air quality and health (K-HEALTHinAIR)

The Knowledge for improving indoor air quality and health (K-HEALTHinAIR) project focuses on assessing the effects of IAQ on health through extensive monitoring of chemical and biological pollutants in representative indoor environments across the EU. The project combines theoretical analysis, clinical trials, and tests to understand pollutant sources, interactions, and correlations with health issues. Affordable IAQ measurements and tools will be developed to enhance monitoring and mitigation efforts. The project aims to provide structured knowledge in an accessible format for public authorities, policymakers, and citizens, promoting informed decision-making and potentially influencing new IAQ standards. K-HEALTHinAIR seeks comprehensive engagement to ensure its results have a significant impact.

LEARN project

The LEARN project aims to assess IAQ in European schools and its effects on children's health and cognition. The project focuses on developing novel sensors, advanced biosensors, and effective remediation strategies to improve IAQ and children's well-being. Key elements include evaluating IAQ and exposure levels in schools across different countries, measuring concentrations of volatile organic compounds and ultrafine particles, assessing potential toxicity of indoor air pollutants, and creating a strategy for air remediation using advanced filtration systems and air purifiers.

SynAir-G project

The SynAir-G project addresses the rising complexity of indoor air pollutants and their potential synergistic effects on human health, particularly impacting susceptible groups like children, asthma and allergy sufferers, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. With a focus on school environments, the project aims to uncover and quantify synergistic interactions between pollutants, develop novel sensors, and eco-friendly air-purifying devices, and provide accessible health outcome data through gamified applications and prospective monitoring. This effort will not only enhance IAQ assessment but also contribute to regulatory frameworks and interventions for improved health outcomes.

TwinAIR project

The TwinAIR project introduces technological solutions aimed at enhancing air quality across a broad spectrum of indoor living contexts. The project's primary objective is to investigate the adverse effects of indoor air pollutants on occupants' health, fostering community awareness and informing policy-making for public health improvement. The project's multifaceted goals include establishing a framework for identifying health hazards related to indoor air pollution sources, assessing factors influencing indoor and outdoor air quality, promoting the adoption of integrated modular technologies, detecting synergistic effects of various exposures, evaluating associated health effects, determining optimal IAQ conditions, developing intelligent tools for air quality management, and contributing to open research data initiatives. Through these efforts, TwinAIR aims to comprehensively address IAQ challenges and their impact on human health, ultimately contributing to healthier indoor environments and informed policy decisions.