Chemical pollution of indoor air is a public health issue associated with a wide range of health effects. Children’s health is at higher risk due to their vulnerability.

The IAQRiskCalculator is a tool developed by WHO/Europe to support the protection of children’s health from chemical pollution of indoor air in settings where children spend substantial amounts of time, such as schools, kindergartens and day-care centres. The tool estimates the health risks for children from combined exposure to multiple hazardous chemicals in indoor air, which are often higher than the sum of risks posed by single chemicals as a result of possible synergistic effects.

The IAQRiskCalculator is aimed primarily at public health professionals and other specialists responsible for creating healthy indoor environments for children. The support of an epidemiologist or health-impact assessment expert is recommended to interpret results.

Methodology

Based on evidence regarding the most relevant health effects in children associated with indoor air pollution in selected public settings, characterized by the presence of multiple hazardous chemicals, the IAQRiskCalculator was developed using the WHO framework for cumulative risk assessment. This methodology was adapted for indoor air pollution through consultation with experts and validated through pilot testing.  

Health effects and chemicals considered

The IAQRiskCalculator focuses on effects on the respiratory, cardiovascular and neurological systems, chronic irritation and carcinogenity, and considers 17 chemicals of concern that are most commonly present in children’s settings. These indicators were selected through an analysis of studies carried out in the European Region in 2012–17 and agreed by experts who collaborated with WHO to develop the methodology. Software users can add more chemicals if relevant toxicological information is available.

Supporting documents

A set of reference documents guides users from selection of sampling sites to identification of the most effective risk-reduction measures.

In addition, an educational course is available to raise awareness among specialists responsible for promoting children’s health and to trigger action to ensure healthy indoor environments for children. Public health and health-care professionals, medical and nursing students, and decision-makers, as well as non-health specialists working in public settings for children (e.g., administrative and building managers, teachers and educators) can learn how to assess, communicate and reduce children’s health risks from indoor air pollution.

To download the software, please send a request to eurolwe@who.int