In the scorching heat of the United Arab Emirates, where summer temperatures regularly soar above 42°C (108°F), staying indoors is often the only respite. But what if the air inside our homes, schools, and workplaces is just as polluted as the air outside? This is the question that a groundbreaking study, led by Jacqueline MacDonald Gibson of North Carolina State University’s Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, aims to answer.
The UAE’s extreme climate makes it a unique case study for indoor air quality (IAQ). With temperatures that discourage outdoor activity and limit natural ventilation, the air inside buildings can become a stagnant mix of pollutants. Yet, until now, little research has been done on IAQ in the UAE. This gap in knowledge is what prompted the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre to commission a study to characterize and prioritize knowledge gaps on indoor air quality and its relationship to health in the UAE.
The study, published in the journal Indoor Environments, brought together a panel of 16 international and local indoor air quality experts. Over a two-day workshop and follow-up survey, the panel identified the most pressing research needs. “The most important short-term research need is to characterize the major sources of indoor air pollution and the most frequently occurring pollutants,” said Gibson, the lead author of the study.
The panel recommended establishing a national indoor air quality observatory, a network of indoor air quality monitors placed permanently in a wide range of settings, including residences, schools, mosques, healthcare facilities, and shopping malls. This observatory would not only establish baseline indoor air quality but also provide data to estimate source contributions and enable tracking of changes over time.
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the energy sector. As buildings become more energy-efficient, they also become more airtight, which can lead to a buildup of indoor pollutants. Understanding and mitigating these pollutants is crucial for the health of occupants and the longevity of buildings. Moreover, as the UAE continues to invest in sustainable development, addressing IAQ will be key to creating healthy, livable spaces.
The study also identified key partners for the proposed indoor air quality program, including the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, the Department of Health–Abu Dhabi, the Environment Agency–Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, and the Emirates Public Health Association. These agencies, along with other government and non-government organizations, will play a crucial role in planning and implementing the program.
While the study is focused on the UAE, its methods and research priorities could be useful for planning indoor air quality improvement campaigns in other high-income nations. As Gibson notes, “The methods and research priorities in this study may be useful for planning indoor air quality improvement campaigns in other high-income nations.”
The study’s findings could shape future developments in the field of indoor air quality, from the design of new buildings to the retrofitting of existing ones. By providing a comprehensive understanding of indoor air pollution sources and their health impacts, the study paves the way for targeted interventions and policies.
As the UAE continues to grow and develop, ensuring the health and well-being of its residents will be paramount. This study is a significant step towards that goal, offering a roadmap for improving indoor air quality and, ultimately, public health.
