Indoor Environment in Homes

19 August 2018

People often worry about indoor air quality. This is evident from the number of complaints about indoor air quality received by public health departments, for example. The indoor air quality of homes is influenced by a wide range of factors.

It is known that exposure to many of these factors individually can lead to health effects. However, little research has been conducted on the health effects of combined exposure to all of these factors.

Complaints about the indoor environment

65% of the environment-related health complaints reported to public health departments (GGDs) concern the indoor environment. Most complaints related to the indoor environment reported to public health departments involve concerns (38%), respiratory problems (26%), and discomfort (11%). In addition, “general” complaints, such as fatigue, weakness, and nervous system complaints, such as headaches, are common.

Chemical, physical, and biological factors are cited as causes of complaints with roughly equal frequency. Mold, ventilation, and moisture are identified by those reporting the complaints as the primary causes (source: RIVM report number 609333003).

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Source: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment

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