2023-05-09 22:00:00
Indoor air is the air we breathe in enclosed spaces or non-industrial indoor environments. These are typically places that we frequent on a daily basis: our home, establishments open to the public, office buildings and means of transport. Indoor air quality is dependent on pollutants coming from outside and those emitted indoors by the components of the confined space and by human activities. It also depends on the conditions of indoor air renewal and the supply of outdoor air through aeration and/or ventilation. A deterioration in indoor air quality due to the accumulation of pollutants is the cause of discomfort and health problems because we spend between 80% and 90% of our time in enclosed spaces. It quickly results in nuisances that are not serious, but which disrupt daily life, and which disappear when you leave this enclosed space. These are sensations of embarrassment and discomfort, olfactory nuisances and various symptoms, such as irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, respiratory and skin signs , visual disturbances. But poor indoor air quality also promotes carbon dioxide poisoning (in the event of a combustion source), allergic respiratory diseases and the transmission of infectious agents (viruses, bacteria), with a greater impact for fragile people ( children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses). Regular exposure to undesirable substances with carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic for reproduction or endocrine disrupting potential is an aggravating factor for the development of chronic respiratory, cardiovascular or tumor pathologies. The socio-economic cost of exposure in enclosed spaces to six pollutants (benzene, trichloroethylene, radon, carbon monoxide, fine particles and environmental tobacco smoke) has been estimated in France at 19 billion euros annually. . In 2022, there are several metrological means to identify and measure the concentrations of the various biological, physical and chemical pollutants present in our indoor environments. These measurements are carried out by sampling, recording and analysis campaigns in the laboratory or using microsensors, at key moments in the life of the building (acceptance of a new or renovated building, building in operation , investigation following a report). They make it possible to better understand the evolution of indoor pollution and to adjust preventive and corrective actions, in order to ensure the comfort, well-being and health of the occupants of these enclosed spaces. The purpose of this article is to describe, after a reminder of the sources and pollutants of indoor air, the various tools available, on site and in the laboratory, and the situations for the measurement of these pollutants, the interpretation of the results and the conduct to be taken as well as preventive actions.
1684044883
#Indoor #air #quality #Measurements #sensors #prevention #Complete #file