Main indoor air pollutants

Indoor air chemical pollutants

Very volatile organic compounds

Volatile organic compounds

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemicals that easily become gases or vapors at room temperature. They are found in many common household products and building materials, and they can have a significant impact on indoor air quality (IAQ).

Semi-volatile organic compounds

Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs)

Indoor air particles

Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air. These particles vary in size, composition, and origin, and their effects on human health depend on these characteristics.

PM is classified by its aerodynamic diameter, which is the size of a unit-density sphere with the same aerodynamic properties as the particle.

Coarse particles (PM₁₀)

Coarse particles are inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and smaller.

Fine particles (PM_2.5)

Fine particles are inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller. Due to their small size, they can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs.

Ultrafine particles (PM_0.1 )

Ultrafine particles are

EDIAQI's Focus on PM

The EDIAQI project is particularly focused on PM2.5 due to its significant health impacts. The project aims to:

Monitor PM2.5 Levels: Measure indoor and outdoor PM2.5 concentrations in various European cities to understand exposure patterns.
Identify Sources: Determine the main sources of PM2.5 in different environments.
Assess Health Effects: Investigate the health effects of PM2.5 exposure, especially in vulnerable populations.
Develop Solutions: Develop and test strategies for reducing PM2.5 exposure, such as improved ventilation and air filtration systems.

Concentration limit values for main air pollutants


Pollutant
Benzene
Naphthalene
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Tetrachloroethylene
Trichloroethylene
PM0.1
PM2.5
PM10
Radon
O3
NO2
CO