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Unlocking the Secrets of Indoor Air Quality: EDIAQI's Insights from the Air Protection Conference

Panel EDIAQI Air Protection Conference

Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of Dubrovnik, Croatia, the Air Protection Conference recently convened air quality experts and stakeholders from across Europe. In partnership with the Croatian Air Pollution Prevention Association, the Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health (IMROH), the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ), and the European Federation of Clean Air and Environmental Protection Associations (EFCA), the Air Protection Conference unfolded from the 20th to the 23rd of September.

The agenda encompassed a broad spectrum of topics, including air quality management, sources of air pollution, monitoring techniques, machine learning applications in air quality modelling, health implications, environmental consequences, and the intricate relationship between air pollution and climate change. A noteworthy highlight of this gathering was the dedicated session on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), organised by the EDIAQI project. This session catalysed the formation of three distinct workshop groups, each dedicated to addressing the multifaceted challenges of IAQ in Europe.

Challenges Identified through the EDIAQI Workshops

EDIAQI Workshop Discussion

During these workshops, participants engaged in discussions and distilled common challenges encountered when addressing IAQ in Europe:

  • Regional Disparity: A pronounced variation in IAQ standards and awareness prevails among EU member states, impeding the establishment of uniform measures.
  • Diverse Living Standards: Disparities in living standards across Europe hinder the implementation of consistent IAQ enhancements.
  • Dependency on Regulatory Changes: Some local authorities await more stringent EU regulations before embarking on substantial IAQ improvements.
  • Low Awareness Among Decision-Makers: Decision-makers often lack awareness of IAQ concerns, necessitating increased engagement with city municipalities.
  • IAQ Issues in Specific Regions: IAQ concerns are particularly salient in certain regions characterised by inadequate ventilation awareness, elevated CO2 levels, and a general lack of interest among educational institutions.
  • Political Prioritisation: Political interests sometimes supersede health considerations, underscoring the need to involve key stakeholders beyond regional authorities. 
  • Data Deficiency: Gaining access to real-time and long-term IAQ data remains a challenge, hindering the development of effective IAQ solutions.
  • Economic Considerations: Economic priorities occasionally overshadow health concerns, resulting in insufficient political will to address IAQ challenges.
  • Public Engagement: Elevating public awareness and promoting participation constitute essential components of any IAQ enhancement strategy.

The Pivotal Significance of IAQ Awareness

EDIAQI Workshop Awareness

Unanimously, participants from all workshop groups underscored the paramount importance of IAQ awareness. While acknowledging the significance of IAQ, they also recognised the complexities involved in identifying pollution sources and obtaining accurate measurements, thus underscoring the need for enhanced tools and methodologies.

Taking Control of IAQ: Monitoring Your Environment

EDIAQI Workshop voting

Across the board, participants expressed their intent to monitor their own IAQ. Notably, this approach was embraced not only by those with technical backgrounds but also by individuals without such expertise.

Critical Indoor Air Pollutants: Prioritising the Essentials

EDIAQI Workshops Air Protection Conference

Discussions within the workshops also identified a range of pollutants considered critical for IAQ. While specifics varied, common themes included particulate matter, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, micro-plastics, and meteorological and humidity factors. The alignment between these pollutants and EDIAQI's investigative focus in indoor environments indicates that we are on the right path.

The Air Protection Conference and the dedicated IAQ session orchestrated by EDIAQI yielded invaluable insights into the challenges and significance of IAQ in Europe. These findings underscore the imperative for standardised monitoring techniques, robust awareness campaigns, and heightened political engagement to enhance indoor air quality continent-wide. As IAQ garners increasing recognition as a pivotal public health concern, these discussions and actions constitute pivotal steps towards cultivating cleaner and healthier indoor environments for all.