Indoor Air Quality in Public Buildings: Regulation is Evolving in France

Indoor air quality is a major concern in public health, addressed in the 4th National Health-Environment Plan (PNSE4) in France. Indeed, numerous pollutants present in our buildings can have detrimental effects on our health and well-being. These pollutants can originate from the outdoors, but also from our daily activities such as smoking, the use of combustion appliances, household chores, cooking, DIY projects, as well as construction materials, furniture, and decorative products, among others.

Reading time: 3 minutes

« Whether at home, at work, at school or on the move, we spend an average of 85% of our time in enclosed spaces.»

Summary

The effects of poor indoor air quality on health and well-being

According to the Indoor Air Quality Observatory, French people spend 85% of their time in enclosed spaces (homes, offices, transportation) where indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Unfortunately, poor indoor air quality can have detrimental effects on human health and well-being.

Indoor air quality and respiratory problems:

One of the effects of poor indoor air quality is the exacerbation of respiratory problems. Particulate matter suspended in the air, such as allergens, molds, toxic chemicals, and fine particles, can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory disorders. Long-term exposure to poor-quality air can lead to a deterioration of lung function and increase the risk of chronic respiratory diseases.

Health effects

In addition to respiratory problems, poor indoor air quality can have a wide range of detrimental effects on our health. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to indoor air pollutants can contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, neurological disorders, and fertility issues. Children, the elderly, and individuals already experiencing health problems are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of indoor air pollution.

Impact on well-being:

Indoor air quality also has a significant impact on our overall well-being. Excessive exposure to CO2 can lead to symptoms such as fatigue or headaches, for example. Breathing pure and clean air is essential for feeling good, being productive, and enjoying a high quality of life.

Good indoor air quality in a building has been shown to have a positive effect on reducing absenteeism rates, improving occupants’ well-being, and enhancing children’s learning.

Indoor air and PNSE4

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), environmental factors are responsible for nearly 20% of mortality in Europe.

France is among the European countries most committed to environmental health. Every five years, it develops a National Health-Environment Plan (PNSE). This plan is an action plan organized by the French government, aiming to protect the health of citizens by improving the quality of the environment in which they live. The PNSE4 is the fourth installment of this plan, covering the period 2021-2025.

PNSE4: PNSE4: A five-year action plan

This national plan pursues four main objectives:/p>

✅ Enable everyone to be better informed and take action to protect their health and the environment through simple and accessible tools;

✅ Reduce environmental exposures that impact health and ecosystems (air and soil pollution, electromagnetic waves, artificial light, nanomaterials, indoor air quality, etc.);

✅ Enhance the involvement of local communities so that environmental health is implemented in all territories, addressing the specific needs of each;

✅ Improve understanding of lifelong exposures and the effects of environmental pollution on health;

One of the main concerns addressed by PNSE4 is indoor air quality and its impact on public health. Starting from 2023, a new framework strengthens the monitoring and control measures for indoor air quality.

Regulatory system for monitoring indoor air quality in ERP buildings

Launched in 2013, the Grenelle 2 law (Articles L. 221-8 and R. 221-30 et seq. of the Environmental Code) was modified in December 2022 with the aim of improving indoor air quality in establishments accommodating sensitive populations (Decree no. 2022-1689 and no. 2022-1690 of December 27, 2022).

Here are the main changes:

1️⃣ Mandatory annual assessment of ventilation systems, including measurement of CO2

2️⃣ Self-diagnosis of indoor air quality every 4 years to detect any problems and take necessary measures to improve air quality in your premises

3️⃣ Campaign to measure regulatory pollutants at each key stage of the building’s life that could impact indoor air quality

4️⃣ Establishment of a detailed action plan in the event of air quality issues

Currently, these measures are exclusively applicable to Establishments Receiving the Public (ERP) accommodating sensitive populations. However, starting from the end of 2024, they will be extended to other types of buildings, with the aim of ensuring optimal air quality conditions for the entire population.

Comply with regulations and discover our Diagnosis service

Analyze and compare air quality

👉 Temporal comparison (historical, real time and predictive +48h)

👉 Analyze the impact of outdoor air on indoor air

👉 Automated environmental quality reports

👉 Pollution and heat alerts (predictive & real time)

Improving quality of life and well-being

👉 Benchmark against indexes (EU, ATMO, WHO)

👉 Control of compliance and regulations

👉 Behavioral recommendations based on air quality

👉 Facilitate obtaining labels (Well, Breeam, Osmoz…)

Ensuring good indoor air quality is essential for the health and well-being of your employees and visitors.

Share this article 👇