1. A policy built up since the late 90s

Indoor air quality (IAQ), an integral part of the notion of environmental health, entered the national debate at the end of the 90s, well after the issue of outdoor air pollution, which had been addressed by public policy since the 60s. The scandal surrounding asbestos, a natural carcinogenic fibre widely used in buildings up until the 90s, contributed significantly to this collective awareness.

In this respect, the 1997 law on air and the rational use of energy (Loi Laure) laid the foundations for public action in the field of air quality, notably in Article L. 220-1, revised in 2010 by decree, which specifies that the "recognized right of everyone to breathe air that is not harmful to their health" is the responsibility of all, including the State, local authorities and their public establishments. Since then, the Environment Code has been the main source of regulations...