NATO’s efforts to set indoor air quality guidelines and standards

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Committee on the Challenges of Modern Society conducted a multinational cooperative program involving about 200 experts from 15 countries during 1989–1993 to examine policy strategies in indoor air quality (IAQ) and propose a range of options that could be adopted by NATO nations. This international effort produced recommendations about a wide spectrum of issues related to IAQ. The achievement of health and comfort in the indoor environment combined with energy efficiency can be obtained by a proper control of human exposure to indoor air contaminants. The development of guidelines and standards was recognized as an essential tool in promoting the achievement of high IAQ. In particular, development of guidelines was recommended for pollutant concentration in indoor air, for ventilation, and for emission from materials. Guidelines for methods for IAQ assessment and control and for medical management of building-related complaints and illnesses also were examined and recommended.