View source for K. 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 pollutants121. 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 Improement (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 pollutant122.

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) concentrations123. 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 management124.



'''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 IAQ125.

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.


=== ''' References ''' ===

121 Gaetano Settimo et al, “Indoor Air Quality: A Focus on the European Legislation and State-of-the-Art Research in Italy,” MDPI, 1 March 2020. Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/11/4/370#B6-atmosphere-11-00370
 
122 Gaetano Settimo et al, “Indoor Air Quality: A Focus on the European Legislation and State-of-the-Art Research in Italy,” MDPI, 1 March 2020. Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/11/4/370#B6-atmosphere-11-00370
 
123 Gaetano Settimo et al, “Indoor Air Quality: A Focus on the European Legislation and State-of-the-Art Research in Italy,” MDPI, 1 March 2020. Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/11/4/370#B6-atmosphere-11-00370

124 Gaetano Settimo et al, “Indoor Air Quality: A Focus on the European Legislation and State-of-the-Art Research in Italy,” MDPI, 1 March 2020. Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/11/4/370#B6-atmosphere-11-00370

125 Tyler a Jacobson et al, “Direct Human Health Risks of Increased Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide,” Nature, 08 July 2019. Available online: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-019-0323-1




[[Category: IAQ Policy Landscape]]