Healthy Indoor Air: A Global Call to Action

The United Nations will host a history-making, official High-Level Side Event on Healthy Indoor Air on Tuesday, September 23rd, at UN Headquarters in New York City, bringing together countries and global health organizations to sign a first-ever global pledge declaring healthy indoor air a human right and launch a multi-year campaign. Watch the event live at: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1v/k1vv2t3bma.

Poor air quality in indoor environments — where research shows people spend up to 90% of their time — is the second leading risk factor for death and contributes to respiratory disease (including asthma and lung cancer), heart disease, infectious disease transmission, and cognitive impairment, in addition to potential impacts from carcinogens. And while outdoor air quality is regulated in many countries, there are no widespread standards for indoor air quality.

The event will be hosted by France and Montenegro, with other nations just now reviewing the pledge for signature — and more than 50 global health and advocacy organizations and universities in support.