BSRIA urged industry to take responsibility for indoor air quality (IAQ) when experts spoke at September’s AGM in London.

BSRIA compliance manager, Chris Knights (pictured), said: “Indoor Air Quality in buildings is closely linked to the health of its occupiers. A study by the National Institute for Health and Welfare reveals that exposure to indoor pollutants is linked to reduced life expectancy and burden of disease.

“57 per cent of the burden relates to cardiovascular, 23 per cent to lung cancer and 12 per cent to asthma. The study suggests improved ventilation could improve the burden of disease by up to 38 per cent.”

Moulds produce spores that float in the air, land on damp surfaces, and grow. The consequences can be sneezing, red eyes, skin rashes and asthma attacks. The key to mould control is moisture control.

Design must have a holistic approach. System resistance must be considered, along with other services sharing the space, providing detailed product specifications. The ventilation strategy must be in line with the design air permeability.

Mr Knights concluded by saying that according to the Building Regulations requirement F1 (1): “There shall be adequate means of ventilation provided for people in the building. Buildings can affect our wellbeing. Light, thermal comfort, IAQ, odours and acoustic comfort must be considered at the design stage.”

He said that the current system being applied is failing: “It is one based upon trust, a trust that is being abused, and as a result, the unknowing occupier is being subjected to a non-compliant property.”