US Institute of Medicine Report: Climate Change, the Indoor Environment and Health and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Response

摘要

The US Institute of Medicine report commissioned by the US EPA concluded that climate change may worsen the quality of indoor air; it may worsen existing indoor environmental problems and introduce new ones as it alters the frequency or severity of adverse outdoor conditions. Report recommendations included: prioritize consideration of health effects into research, policy, programs, and regulatory agendas; make prevention of adverse exposures a primary goal in designing and implementing strategies to address health effects; and include collection of data to be used in making better-informed decisions in the future. EPA program areas that may need to be refined include technical guidance for building construction and maintenance, and public education regarding occupant behavior that could impact exposure to indoor pollutants. EPA's indoor air quality priorities for adaptation response include education and outreach on indoor air and climate change adaptation issues. Integration of climate change adaptation science and policy into current indoor air programs focused on homes, schools and large buildings is essential, as well as promotion of research on climate change adaptation. Research priorities include: develop health-based ventilation standards and inform design and operation criteria for mechanical ventilation systems; develop protocols or testing standards for evaluating emissions from indoor sources; evaluate effects on occupant health and productivity following alterations to the indoor environment in response to climatic changes, including weatherization and retrofitting of homes and/or buildings; identify future vulnerable populations that may be at greater risk from effects of climate change.