Reasons for poor indoor quality in China

China has one of worst issues with pollution, both outdoors and indoors.

This article will discuss about some of the reasons for poor indoor quality in china. Largely referenced from Hao and Zhu's Article in 2004.

1. Low perceived importance of maintenance of clean indoor environments largely due to low public knowledge and education on it.

2. Lack of indoor environment administration. None of the authorities have the responsibility to overlook indoor environment quality. Thus no specialised body to supervise indoor environments in china is available.

3. Little and close to no indoor air quality monitoring services, data, scientific evaluation systems being set up.

4. Rapid urbanisation of China. Contractors seek to complete their tasks in the fastest and most efficient way. Usage of inferior products to decorate or furbish the interiors, they usually might contain more harmful substances to be released form them.

5. Improper maintenance of Air conditioning systems. Poorly maintained air conditioning systems can cause dirt and moisture to build up and cause serious indoor air pollution problems.

In my opinion, the biggest problem of this issue is the lack of public awareness of the importance of indoor quality as this probably led the the subsequent points, which can be attributed because people do not see the importance of keeping and maintaining indoor air qualities. With more awareness and spotlight put on indoor air pollution and its impacts, it can help trigger other sectors to address this issue too. For example, more research on this issue, growth of businesses that create indoor pollution friendly products, or businesses that create products to improve indoor air quality etc.

In Singapore, there also has not been much effort in promoting good indoor quality. Most Singaporeans would be exposed to more outdoor air pollution, land and water pollution. Seldom does indoor pollution come into the mind's of singaporeans. However, buildings have to follow certain regulations to ensure that quality of air indoors are maintained. More about this will be posted in my next post.

References:

Jiming M. Hao (✉) · Tianle L. Zhu (2004), Strategies for Healthy Indoor Environments – a Chinese View, The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry Vol.4.