Breathing is a fundamental need, a vital action. Yet we spend over 85% of our time in enclosed spaces, where the air is polluted, often even more so than the outdoor air.

Indoor air can be contaminated by micro-organisms, bacteria and viruses, as well as by chemical contaminants (particles, fine dust, gaseous pollutants such as volatile organic compounds, etc.).

This indoor air pollution has a direct impact on our health, as some diseases, such as influenza, tuberculosis and the common cold, are airborne. Poor indoor air quality can even reduce the life expectancy of healthy people. According to the WHO, worldwide, 3.8 million premature deaths were attributed to poor indoor air quality in 2016. 

The health impact of contaminants in indoor air has therefore become a major issue, leading Belgium to introduce cross-sectoral legislation aimed at improving indoor air quality.

The strategy for improving indoor air quality is based on:

  • measuring air quality,
  • ​limiting sources of pollution,
  • ventilation, and
  • ​air purification.

Since 2022, the Indoor Air Quality Platform has brought together a wide range of people who regularly share their knowledge to help improve air quality in Belgium: scientists, policy-makers, experts, representatives of enclosed spaces open to the public, manufacturers of ventilation, purification and CO2 meters, etc.

And at the European level?
Setting standards for indoor air quality lies at the heart of the European Union's Zero Pollution Action Plan.

This Plan calls for the introduction of "zero pollution" solutions for buildings and aims to halve premature deaths due to air pollution.
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