pikselikuva
Everyone has a right to healthy indoor air

“Indoor air quality is an important determinant of population health and wellbeing. Exposure to the hazardous airborne agents present in many indoor spaces causes adverse effects such as respiratory disease, allergy and irritation of the respiratory tract.” World Health Organisation Report: The Right to Healthy Indoor Air Bilthoven, The Netherlands, May 2000

People in modern societies spend most of their time indoors; at home or work, in school and in transit. In average, we spend 90% of our time indoors. Consequently, it is easy to appreciate the quality of indoor environment - the environment where we mostly spend our time. Improving the quality of indoor environment enhances both our wellbeing and our performance. Poor environment creates wellbeing debt.

What are the factors that affect our perception of the indoor environment?

  • The amount of outdoor air. Every one of us needs 12 cubic meters of clean air to breath per day.
  • Thermal balance with our surroundings. Thermal balance is a result of various environmental conditions, all of which can be affected by indoor climate systems.
  • Acceptable indoor air quality. In general terms, the indoor air quality is acceptable when it doesn’t contain contaminants in harmful concentrations and the majority of people feel satisfied.
  • Lights and sounds. Light is the most important factor influencing our daily rhythm. Lights too bright as well as disturbing discussions and other sounds cause irritation and increase the negative stress hormone level.
  • Personal factors and preferences. The comfort sensation depends partly on the individual: the metabolism, the activity level of body and the clothing resistance.

Back | Print page