The IDEAL Cluster has released its second Joint Policy Brief, titled “When Children Breathe: the Impact of Indoor Air Quality on Children’s Health.”
While air pollution is often discussed as an outdoor issue, this brief shines a light on what happens indoors, where children spend 80–90% of their time at home, in daycare, and in schools. It sets out why children are especially vulnerable to poor indoor air quality (IAQ), and why protecting the air in the places where they live and learn needs to be treated as an urgent public health priority.
What the policy brief covers
Drawing on results from the seven IDEAL Cluster Horizon Europe projects, the brief summarises evidence and lessons from pilots across Europe focused on homes and schools. It highlights recurring issues with pollutants and conditions that can affect children’s respiratory health, wellbeing, and even learning outcomes.
Key takeaways from the evidence
Across project monitoring and surveys, the brief points to:
- Frequent IAQ challenges in schools and homes, including CO₂, particulate matter (PM2.5), VOCs, and microorganisms.
- Awareness gaps, even where people recognise IAQ matters, with a clear need for practical guidance and education for schools and families.
- Actionable solutions, ranging from ventilation and filtration choices to educational tools and child-friendly approaches that support behaviour change.
Recommendations for EU-level action
The brief calls on EU policymakers to accelerate coordinated action by, among other steps:
- Developing a coherent, dedicated IAQ roadmap/action plan, with attention to vulnerable groups like children and young people.
- Working toward minimum health-based IAQ standards for new school buildings, including appropriate technological solutions.
- Supporting monitoring and management solutions (including emerging technologies), especially in school settings.
- Driving EU-wide and national awareness efforts for policymakers, teachers, school administrators, families, and the wider public.
- Encouraging exchange of best practices among Member States on IAQ in educational settings.
The full policy brief is available on the IDEAL Cluster website.
