Pollutions à l'intérieur des espaces clos : sources, niveaux et impact sanitaire. Volet 1 : contaminants biologiques

Indoor air quality has become a matter of growing interest, which is justified by the time spent inside by individuals and their potential exposure to a wide range of air contaminants. Indoor air contaminants are numerous (chemical, biological, physical) with many continuous or temporary sources linked to building characteristics and family lifestyle. The exposure of the population to these pollutants including sensitive individuals such as children, the elderly, immunocompromised patients can be substantial and knowledge is still limited. Indoor air quality whether for biological or chemical contamination depends on the sources of indoor and outdoor pollution and on ventilation conditions with the air exchange rate. Biological contaminants are numerous and diverse, mold, bacteria, viruses, pollen, allergens from cats, dogs, dust mites, cockroaches, etc. This paper aims at presenting some of these contaminants, their sources, levels and health effects. This review highlights the diversity and complexity of indoor biological contamination as well as the health effects. Measurement of exposure to these contaminants is complex, unreliable and expensive. In addition, in France few data are available concerning all indoor environments. More research is needed to improve measurement techniques and knowledge about exposure levels and heath impact.