Why Indoor Air Quality Matters More Than Ever

Published on 18-05-2026 by Dr Paul Beckett

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is one of the most important, and often overlooked, factors affecting health, wellbeing and building performance.

In a recent article published in the Journal of Building Survey, Appraisal & Valuation, Phlorum Director and Co-Founder Dr Paul Beckett provides a practical guide to indoor air quality for UK building surveyors and property professionals, highlighting why this issue deserves greater attention.

While air pollution is often thought of as an outdoor problem, most people spend 80-90% of their time indoors, at home, at work and in public buildings. Poor indoor air quality can contribute to respiratory illness, headaches, fatigue, poor concentration, and, in severe cases, life-threatening health conditions.

Recent tragedies, including the deaths of Ella Roberta Adoo Kissi-Debrah and Awaab Ishak, have brought national attention to the dangers of poor air quality and mould exposure, helping to drive legislative change through initiatives such as Ella’s Law and Awaab’s Law.

What affects indoor air quality?

Paul’s article outlines the main pollutants commonly found indoors, including:

• Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) from cooking, heating, and outdoor pollution;
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by paints, furnishings, cleaning products and building materials;
• Bioaerosols, including mould spores, bacteria, and allergens;
• Combustion gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide;
• Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas; and
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂), a key indicator of poor ventilation.

A key message from the article is the importance of effective ventilation. As buildings become more airtight to improve energy efficiency, inadequate airflow can trap pollutants and moisture indoors, creating conditions that can harm both occupants and buildings.

Monitoring is changing the game

Affordable air quality monitoring technology is transforming how indoor environments can be assessed and managed.

Modern indoor air quality monitors can now provide real-time measurements of CO₂, temperature, humidity, particulates, VOCs and other pollutants. These tools help identify ventilation problems, detect pollution sources, and support proactive interventions before complaints or health issues arise.

For more detailed investigations, such as unexplained odours or occupant symptoms, environmental consultancy firms like Phlorum also use specialist VOC sampling and laboratory analyses to identify specific airborne chemicals.

A growing responsibility for property professionals

Indoor air quality regulation in the UK is still evolving, but expectations are rising rapidly. Surveyors, developers, landlords and facilities managers increasingly need to understand how IAQ affects compliance, risk and occupant wellbeing.

As Paul concludes in the article, there is little excuse not to be proactive in managing indoor air quality.

At Phlorum, we help clients assess and improve indoor environments through expert monitoring, interpreting facts and results, and by providing practical advice.

To learn more about our indoor air quality services, or to discuss a specific issue, please get in touch.