Indoor Air Quality and Health Impacts

Indoor air quality (IAQ) encompasses the concentration and dynamics of chemical, physical and biological agents in enclosed environments. Common pollutants include fine particulate matter (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide. Sources range from cooking, heating and cleaning activities to building materials and outdoor infiltration. Poor IAQ has been linked to respiratory symptoms, exacerbation of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, impaired cognitive function and cardiovascular stress. Vulnerable populations – such as children, the elderly and those with pre-existing lung disease – are particularly susceptible to both short- and long-term exposures. Recent attention has focused on the interplay between energy-efficient building design, airtightness and ventilation strategies, highlighting a need to balance thermal comfort, energy use and pollutant removal. Interventions such as increased air exchange rates, targeted filtration and source control of household products show promise for reducing exposure. Advances in low-cost sensor networks are improving real-time monitoring and guiding adaptive ventilation. Taken together, these developments underscore the global imperative of safeguarding indoor environments to promote health, productivity and well-being.

Research from Nature Portfolio

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Indoor Air Quality and Health Impacts publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in indoor air quality and health impacts across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): A measure of pollutant levels and environmental conditions within enclosed spaces.

Particulate Matter (PM2.5): Fine airborne particles with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 µm that penetrate deep into the respiratory tract.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Carbon-based chemicals that readily volatilise at room temperature and may cause respiratory and systemic toxicity.

Air Exchange Rate (AER): The volumetric flow of outdoor air into a space per unit time, typically expressed in air changes per hour.

References

1. Evaluating the impact of air purifiers and window operation upon indoor air quality - UK nurseries during Covid-19. Building and Environment (2023).
2. Indoor Air Pollution and the Health of Vulnerable Groups: A Systematic Review Focused on Particulate Matter (PM), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Their Effects on Children and People with Pre-Existing Lung Disease. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2022).