A recent study from Finland has uncovered a significant link between distrust in social institutions and the functional impairment associated with indoor air (IA) symptoms. Conducted by Sanna Selinheimo and her colleagues at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and the University of Helsinki, this research sheds light on how perceptions of institutional reliability can affect health outcomes, particularly in relation to indoor air quality.
The Finnish population-based Indoor Air and Health survey, which included 1,750 participants, revealed that 23.1% of respondents reported symptoms associated with poor indoor air quality. Among these individuals, the level of functional impairment varied considerably, with 1.8% experiencing severe impairment and 4.9% reporting no impairment at all. This variance raises important questions about how indoor environments are managed and perceived, especially in a country that prides itself on high public health standards.
One striking finding from Selinheimo’s study is the heightened distrust in social institutions when it comes to IA-related issues compared to general distrust. “Higher levels of functional impairment were associated with increased distrust in most social institutions, particularly health care and government officials,” Selinheimo noted. The odds ratios indicated a significant correlation, with severe impairment linked to an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 4.10 for distrust in health care and 3.35 for government officials, suggesting that those suffering from IA symptoms may feel abandoned by these institutions.
Interestingly, the study also highlighted an anomaly regarding media and social media. Respondents with higher functional impairment reported increased trust in these platforms, a finding that may reflect a shift in how information about health issues is disseminated and consumed in the digital age. “This indicates that individuals may turn to alternative sources for information and support when traditional institutions fail to meet their expectations,” Selinheimo explained.
For the construction sector, these insights are particularly relevant. As building standards and indoor air quality become increasingly scrutinized, construction firms must recognize the implications of public perception on their operations. With rising concerns about functional impairment linked to IA issues, companies may face heightened demand for transparency and accountability in their building practices. The findings underscore the necessity for construction businesses to engage with the community and build trust through improved communication and quality assurance measures.
The study emphasizes that addressing indoor air quality is not solely a technical challenge but also a social one. As Selinheimo suggests, “These findings should be considered in communication on and prevention of IA-associated health issues.” This perspective encourages a more holistic approach to construction and public health, where trust and functional outcomes are interlinked.
Published in ‘Indoor Environments’—or ‘Sisäympäristöt’ in Finnish—this research serves as a clarion call for stakeholders in the construction industry to prioritize indoor air quality and foster trust with the public. As the sector evolves, the integration of health considerations into building design and construction practices could become a defining characteristic of successful firms. For more information about the research, visit Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.
