A cost-benefit mechanism available for national and local authorities to manage indoor environments in schools

摘要

Aims The mechanism aims to support prioritization of possible remedial measures based on costs and expected health gains and is available for national and local authorities, builders, school staff, pupils and parents to improve indoor air quality in schools. Methods In 25 European countries, the indoor air quality in schools and childcare settings and respective international (WHO) and national IAQ guidelines and (policy) measures were reviewed. Based on communalities and differences, prioritization criteria were set up and implemented into a cost-benefit mechanism. Results In total, four prioritization criteria were defined to categorize possible remedial measures on the basis of costs and benefits. By describing the effectiveness, proportionality, practicality and monitorability, possible measures were categorized into five groups: 1) Hygiene, 2) Awareness rising, 3) Use of products/materials, 4) Technical intervention and 5) Monitoring IAQ. Possible measures, like, cleaning practices, ventilation, avoidance of the use of certain building materials or installation of a C02 monitor were qualitative exemplified in tabular format. Conclusions The scope, level of detail and degree of implementation of IAQ measures differ among countries. Some measures are mandatory while others are recommendations. The current mechanism supports authorities and school stakeholders to improve indoor school environments by developing best-fitting strategies accustomed to national and local situations. It is recommended that the European Commission develops harmonized international guidelines on indoor school environments. Acknowledgement This document was produced under the SINPHONIE project, which is financed by the Directorate General for Health and Consumers of the European Commission (October 2010- November 2012). Contract reference is SANCO/2009/C4/04.