Indoor Air Quality : landmarks and legal framework - Workplaces indoor air

Air quality is a global health issue. The World Health Organization estimates that 7 million premature deaths worldwide are attributable to air pollution every year. In France, these premature deaths are estimated at 48,000, or around 9% of the country's annual deaths. Indoor air quality is included in these statistics, making it a major focus of our efforts to reduce the risk to our health. The effects of poor indoor air quality are not trivial, and can range from simple discomfort to more serious effects. The latter can range from mild discomfort (odors, skin and eye irritation, headaches, drowsiness) to more serious pathologies, from respiratory allergies such as asthma, to the development of cancer.

The quality of working atmospheres is therefore a major concern, closely linked to the prevention of risks to which workers are exposed. Establishments subject to the French Labor Code must comply with ventilation and aeration regulations. General regulations apply to enclosed premises where employees are required to work, as well as to all places where employees are required to work and where there is a risk related to air quality. The aim is to "maintain a state of atmospheric purity conducive to the protection of workers' health" (article R. 4222-1 of the French Labour Code). In addition, various pollutants or sources of pollution unrelated to the company's activities are also regulated, such as tobacco smoke and radon gas.

The work component of the regulations on indoor air quality has thus been built up over the years, and is now considered structured and complete.

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