Speaker: Professor Nicola Carslaw, Department of Environment and Geography
In developed countries, we spend about 90% of our time indoors, for instance at home, at work, or commuting between the two. It follows that our exposure to air pollutants, whether generated indoors or outdoors, happens mainly in the indoor environment. Despite increased awareness of the importance of maintaining good indoor air quality following the Covid-19 pandemic, most of the air quality legislation still focuses on outdoor air pollution, particularly that caused by traffic and industrial emissions.
This presentation will introduce the audience to the many ways in which we can be exposed to air pollution indoors, including through activities such as cooking and cleaning, as well as some less obvious routes of exposure. In addition, it will show how indoor air quality is going to become more important in the future. The presentation will highlight methods for reducing our exposure to pollution indoors as well as some to avoid. Finally, it will show how the University of York is leading efforts to understand indoor air pollution and its impacts and to provide solutions for better air quality in our homes.
