Indoor air quality
On average we spend 90 per cent of our time indoors either at
home, school/college or in the workplace. It is therefore very
important that the air we are breathing does not have a negative
impact on our health.
As air makes its way into our homes and workplaces it can
bring pollutants indoors with it. Indoor environments also
contain sources of air pollution such as cooking and heating
appliances, cleaning and household products and biological
contaminants like mould and dust mites. When buildings have poor
ventilation or low air exchange rates, indoor air pollutants from
these sources can accumulate to high levels and could potentially
pose a risk to our health.
The following pages provide information on:
The Council has also produced a leaflet which highlights some of
the factors that can lead to poor air quality in the home, as well
as advice on ways to improve it.
Monitoring pollution levels in your home
While the Council has a responsibility to monitor levels of some
key pollutants in the outdoor air we do not have equipment to
monitor pollution inside homes. You can, however, purchase a carbon
monoxide monitor in most home stores in the UK. This is used to
test the level of carbon monoxide in the home if you are concerned
that your boiler may not be working properly and is giving off
fumes.
If you are worried that you have a serious problem with indoor
air quality which has persisted over a period of time you may want
to consider contacting a commercial company which can carry out an
assessment and suggest mitigation measures. Companies that offer
indoor air pollution monitoring can be found in your local
directory or through online search engines.
Air quality in the workplace
Air quality in places of work as well as schools and prisons is
regulated by the Health and Safety Executive. Employers have a duty
under The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
2007 to do all they can to provide a safe system of work and a safe
working environment.
Many new or refurbished buildings such as offices are virtually
airtight; windows cannot be opened and the supply of fresh air is
typically controlled by air conditioning and heating systems. Many
workers in such buildings experience a variety of symptoms which
have been collectively named “sick building syndrome” or SBS.
Symptoms include lethargy, stuffy or runny nose, dry throat,
headache, eye irritation, chest tightness and dry skin, and
hypersensitivity to odours.
If you think you are experiencing SBS at your work place you
should speak with your manager and contact the Trade Union for your
organisation. The Royal Borough Heath and Safety team can provide
information and advice. Telephone the Environmental Health Line on
0207 361 3002.