Indoor Air Quality: Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Bride - Inaugural Webinar
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a topic of paramount importance, directly impacting human health and environmental wellbeing. Historically, it has lingered on the fringes of policy development, despite its critical significance. The COVID-19 pandemic, through its confinement measures and typically higher pathogen concentrations in poorly ventilated indoor settings, has underscored the importance of IAQ; yet paradoxically, it remains an overlooked aspect of public health and environmental policy. This is particularly concerning considering Europeans spend up to 90% of their time indoors, a statistic that remains unchanged from pre-pandemic.
Why, then, is IAQ still an enigmatic policy issue? What historical contexts and regulatory challenges have contributed to this oversight? Furthermore, what are the obstacles in gathering the necessary evidence to develop effective IAQ policies?
Addressing these pressing questions, the EDIAQI project is proud to announce its inaugural webinar titled "Indoor Air Quality: Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Bride”. Scheduled for the 19th of April at 10:30 CET, this event aims to explore the complexities of IAQ, the dynamic interplay between indoor and outdoor air quality, and the pivotal role of data in informing policies to foster healthier living spaces.
The webinar will feature Rita Araujo, a Policy Officer from the European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, who will provide insights into the European Commission's initiatives in IAQ research and its implications for the health of European citizens. Highlighting the intensified focus on this crucial area, her presentation will shed light on the strides being made towards understanding and improving IAQ.
Another panellist, Xavier Basagaña from the IDEAL Cluster—a conglomerate of Horizon Europe Projects focusing on Indoor Air Quality—will discuss the collaborative efforts underway within the IDEAL cluster projects and their impact on public health across Europe. This segment promises to offer a comprehensive view of the collective European endeavours aimed at creating healthier living environments.
Lastly, Mario Lovric, the scientific coordinator of the EDIAQI Project, will articulate the vital need for projects like EDIAQI that endeavour to bridge the knowledge gaps in IAQ. By examining the potential health effects, ranging from immediate symptoms to long-term conditions, and the potential heightened risks for vulnerable groups, the discussion will underscore the critical urgency of addressing IAQ. Mario’s insights will emphasise the necessity of integrating IAQ into the broader consciousness of European citizens and policymakers alike.
This webinar represents a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding, engage in meaningful dialogue, and contribute to a discourse essential for our collective health, the quality of the air we breathe, and the sustainability of our planet.
Register now for the EDIAQI project’s inaugural webinar.
Don't miss this chance to be part of a pivotal conversation on IAQ—a cornerstone for a healthier future for Europe and beyond.