Residential Indoor Air Quality Guidelines

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is of prime importance to human health because we spend >80% of our time indoors. Occupants of indoor environments may be exposed to a variety of pollutants originating from human activities or pres ence in the home, combustion for heating and cooking, consumer products, furnishings, building materials and outdoor air. Because of the potentially adverse effects to human health resulting from exposure to pollutants in the home, the 'Exposure Guidelines for Residential Indoor Air Quality' were developed. Exposure limits were prepared for the following compounds or groups of compounds: aldehydes, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, formal dehyde, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, water vapour and radon. In addition, the guidelines suggest recommendations for controlling exposure to some contaminants for which the formulation of acceptable exposure ranges was deemed inappropriate or was not feasible. This group includes: biological agents, chlorinated hydrocar...