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Indoor climate - down to the bone

What is indoor climate and why is it important?

We spend 90% of our lives indoors, and the role of the indoor climate in our well-being and well-being must therefore not be underestimated.

In Denmark, we have the most well-documented indoor climate. At ÅBN, we continuously seek to gather knowledge in areas such as CO2, indoor climate, humidity and more, with the clear aim of providing an overview of what, for example, CO2 and indoor climate are, what effect it has on us humans, as well as what rules and laws exist .

Danish schoolchildren spend 22% of their waking time at school and more than half a million Danish children and young people and around 50,000 employees spend a large part of their time at school (source: Realdania ).

More than 80% of the areas in Denmark's schools were built before 1982, when requirements for the degree of insulation were first introduced, and only 10% of the schools were built after 1995, when requirements for ventilation in the buildings were introduced (source: Realdania ).

It is therefore clear that the indoor climate is an incredibly important part of our lives, society and economy, and can influence to a greater extent than you think. Read below about the most essential indoor climate areas and how they affect your life.

That's how high the CO2 level must be
The building regulations set a limit value of 1000 ppm for normal operation in schools and daycare centers as well as in offices
BR18
Over half of Danish schools have increased CO2
53% of the classes that participated in the "Masseksperiment 2021" measured a CO2 value of over 1,000 ppm when they simply do as they usually do in relation to ventilation etc.
The mass experiment
That's how much CO2 you produce
A sedentary, adult person produces around 17 l of CO2 per hour, while children i the smallest classes will produce somewhat less.
The indoor climate portal
A year's lost curriculum
Studies from, among others, DTU have established that CO2 damages school pupils' concentration and learning ability. Children in classrooms with increased air supply perform five to ten percent better than in normally stuffy classrooms.
DTU
The ability to concentrate decreases when CO2 increases
When the CO2 level exceeds the recommended level of 1,000 ppm to 1,250 and 1,600 ppm respectively, students' ability to concentrate decreases by 5 and 10 per cent.
Realdania
Too high CO2 for more than half of the school day
The CO2 level exceeds the Norwegian Working Environment Authority's limit value of 1,000 ppm over 3 hours per school day in the Danish classrooms.
Implementation
Sick building syndrome
Research on "sick building syndrome" (SBS) in office environments has documented that poor ventilation and high CO2 concentrations are associated with symptoms such as fatigue, headaches and difficulty concentrating. When CO2 levels exceed 800 ppm, people often notice a lack of fresh air, leading to fatigue and dissatisfaction.
University College London
Which temperature is right?
A temperature of 20-22 °C is suitable for light physical activity in e.g. schools, day care centers and offices. The temperature during sedentary work and normal climatic and working conditions must not exceed 25 °C.
The Norwegian Working Environment Authority
The concentration decreases as the temperature increases
When the temperature exceeds the recommended 22 °C to 23.5 and 25.5 °C respectively, school pupils' ability to concentrate drops by 5 and 10 per cent.
Realdania
Heat makes us tired - cooler air increases productivity
Research shows that people work faster with cool and fresher air in offices, whereas heat makes us tired and leads to decreased performance.
The indoor climate portal
93 per cent school classes have too high a noise level.
93% of the classes that participated in the "Masseksperiment 2021" measured a sound pressure level of over 60 dBa
The mass experiment
Biggest problem in children's institutions
According to the noise order, you must never be exposed to a daily noise load higher than 85 dB(A) (decibels) at your job
The indoor climate portal
That's how high the noise level must be
According to the noise order, you must never be exposed to a daily noise load higher than 85 dB(A) (decibels) at your job. Already at 80 dB(A), ear protection must be provided.
HK
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Long-term exposure to noise, especially from traffic, can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack. A study shows that a 10 decibel higher noise level at home means that the risk of high blood pressure increases by 6% and the risk of blood clots in the heart increases by 6-8%
GTS-NET
Sleep disorders
Noise can disturb sleep, leading to poorer sleep quality and increased fatigue. Sleep disturbances are associated with a number of health problems, including reduced immune function and increased risk of metabolic diseases.
Bolius
Hearing loss and tinnitus
Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). This is particularly relevant in work environments with high noise, but also in everyday environments with persistent noise pollution
Sundhed.dk
What is an optimal moisture level?
The humidity usually does not cause problems if the relative humidity is between 25 and 60 per cent. However, microfungi and house dust mites live best in high humidity.
The indoor climate portal
Moisture can lead to allergies
Staying in damp buildings can in rare cases lead to allergies and asthma. It is therefore important to monitor the indoor climate and measure e.g. the air humidity.
Sundhed.dk
High humidity causes headaches and fatigue
According to the National Research Center for the Working Environment, employees become more tired and have headaches, irritated eyes, nose and throat to a greater extent when the air humidity is poor.
The National Research Center for Working Environment
Promotes mold growth
High humidity creates ideal conditions for mold, which can release spores and mycotoxins into the air. These substances can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and upper respiratory tract and worsen symptoms in people with asthma.
STPS
Moisture causes damage to buildings and interiors
Moisture can lead to damage to the structure of the building, including rot and fungus in woodwork as well as peeling of paint and wallpaper. These damages can create additional health risks and require extensive repairs.
CB Group
What is TVOC?
TVOC stands for "Total Volatile Organic Compounds" and represents the total concentration of volatile organic compounds in the air. These compounds are carbon-based chemicals that evaporate easily at room temperature and can affect indoor air quality.
Eurofins
How high must the VOC concentration be?
There is no universal limit value for TVOC concentrations, as it depends on the specific compounds and exposure conditions. In Denmark, the Norwegian Working Environment Authority sets limit values ​​for specific substances in the working environment. To ensure a healthy indoor climate, it is generally recommended to keep TVOC levels as low as possible by choosing products with low VOC content and ensuring good ventilation.
TO
Volatile organic substances (VOC) can lead to nuisance
Furniture and building materials give off VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), and are therefore commonly present under normal conditions in the indoor climate. They do not pose a direct risk, but can contribute to e.g. irritation with dryness, redness in the eyes and dryness of the mucous membranes in the nose and throat. The best precaution against VOCs is good ventilation.
Sundhed.dk
Sources of TVOC in indoor environments
Common sources include building materials, paint, varnish, cleaning products, perfumes and tobacco smoke. These sources can contribute to elevated TVOC levels in the home or workplace
The Environmental Protection Agency
How to reduce TVOC
To reduce TVOC levels, it is recommended to choose products with low VOC content, ensure good ventilation and avoid smoking indoors. Regular maintenance and cleaning can also help minimize TVOC concentrations.
The Environmental Protection Agency

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