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The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has published a report this week looking into the health effects of indoor air quality on children and young people. As the number of young people spending more time inside increases, the impact of the air in these indoor spaces becomes of serious concern. This report is based on a systematic review of the science of indoor pollution, and conversations with children, young people and their families. IEDE Associate Professor Dr Marcella Ucci was one of 15 experts who worked to review the evidence and formulate recommendations for action.Ìý

Dr Ucci said:

“I am delighted to have been a member of this Working Group where several esteemed experts collaborated towards this seminal Report uncovering evidence which reveals the importance of addressing indoor air quality in homes and schools, for the benefit of children's health. The Report is, first and foremost, a call to action and I look forward to working with other researchers and stakeholders to help tackle this critical issue"I am delighted to have been a member of this Working Group where several esteemed experts collaborated towards this seminal Report uncovering evidence which reveals the importance of addressing indoor air quality in homes and schools, for the benefit of children's health. The Report is, first and foremost, a call to action and I look forward to working with other researchers and stakeholders to help tackle this critical issue."

The report found that there are a range of factors that contribute to pollutants found in indoor air. Over 80% of the research found links between indoor pollution and respiratory health, highlighting that older buildings are more likely to contain more polluting materials.Ìý

The key recommendations made for government by the working group were:

• National strategy, set indoor air quality standards and have a national body to lead on indoor air quality
• Introduce emissions labelling of household products and buildings materials
• Give clear information to the public, local authorities, building professions and child health professions
• Establish a process for people in rented and social housing to report indoor air quality problems and provide assistance for necessary improvementsÌý

The report highlighted theÌýdifficult balanceÌýbetween affordable warmth and food indoor air quality. Families with the least means also have the least choice over housing and may as a result face poor respiratory health. The responsibility for clean air cannot solely rest with individuals.