Updated on 06/12/2024
Indoor air is five to eight times more polluted than outdoor air. We spend almost 80% of our time in enclosed spaces, where air quality can have significant impacts on health, particularly that of children. Ensuring healthy indoor air in places welcoming sensitive populations is an essential priority in terms of public health.
Since 2018, monitoring of indoor air quality has been mandatory in nurseries, nursery schools and elementary schools. This obligation was extended in 2020 to leisure centers and secondary education establishments.
To support the stakeholders concerned in this process, a seminar was organized on Tuesday December 3, 2024. This event, led by the Regional Directorate of Environment, Planning and Housing (DREAL), the Regional Health Agency (ARS), the Departmental Directorates of Territories (DDT) of Savoie and Haute-Savoie, in partnership with Ville-Aménagement-Durable (VAD), aimed to share experiences and good practices for maintaining good indoor air quality.
Health issues
Indoor air pollution can cause various consequences, ranging from simple olfactory discomfort to serious pathologies, such as certain cancers. It is also responsible for a notable increase in allergies, particularly among children, who are often more vulnerable to them.
In France, approximately 20,000 annual deaths are attributed to indoor air pollution.
The right actions to adopt
- Ventilate spaces regularly, even in addition to a ventilation system. Ventilate each room for at least 10 minutes a day, including in winter!
- Maintain ventilation systems (especially VMC) to ensure their efficiency.
- Clean the premises and furniture appropriately, while taking care to allow new furniture to “degas” before use.
- Limit sources of pollution, such as chemicals or unsuitable materials.
Useful resources
➝ Download the information and support brochure on indoor air quality for elected officials – 06/12/2024
➝ ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes website
➝ Observatory for the quality of indoor environments
France
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