Ventilation in European dwellings: A review

Adequate ventilation is essential for the health and comfort of building occupants. This review examines, first of all, why residential ventilation is an issue of concern in Europe and how is related to the human health. A review of the current status of residential ventilation standards and regulations in Europe is also provided, as a reference. Finally, a review of measurements of ventilation rates in European dwellings is provided, where the compatibility with the European standards/regulations is examined. The review shows that ventilation is increasingly becoming recognised as an important component of a healthy dwelling. Ventilation requirements receive major attention in building regulations, across Europe. However, ventilation measurements across Europe show that ventilation is in practice often poor, resulting in reduced ventilation rates (lower than 0.5 h−1, which is currently a standard in many European countries), increased concentrations of indoor pollutants and hence exposure to health risk. Surveys showed that although occupants generally think that ventilation is important, their understanding of the ventilation systems in their own houses is low, resulting to under-ventilated homes.

► Ventilation is recognised as an important component of a healthy dwelling.
► Few conclusive studies onhome ventilation and its direct association to health.
► Ventilation requirements receive major attention in building regulations in Europe.
► Minimum requirement of 0.5 h−1 in Nordic countries and of 0.3 h−1 in other countries.
► Ventilation in practice is often poor, leading to high concentrations and health risk.