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1. Members will recall discussing this at the last meeting and supporting an initiative to review the provision of advice on the effects of indoor air pollutants on health. This paper provides a brief update on progress.

2. Meeting with relevant colleagues from HSE, DTLR, DEFRA and DfES, IEH and BRE and with representatives of Trade Associations with an interest in the area have been held. These have been encouraging. It has been generally accepted that indoor exposure to air pollutants can damage health and that regularly updated advice on how to avoid such danger should be provided by DH.

3. As anticipated, the idea of standards for indoor air pollutants provoked a good deal of comment. Guidelines were seen as more acceptable by some, though others felt these too would present problems and would come to be seen as unofficial standards. Guidance, on the other hand, was well supported.

4. As well as considering the nature of the guidance, ideas about how such guidance should be provided were discussed. In the past, emphasis has been placed on pamphlets. It may be that an attractive website could be designed and that this would have a greater impact.

5. Recent work has placed an increased emphasis on the possible effects on health of low concentrations of carbon monoxide. Members may have seen the attached letter by Professor Malcolm Lader that appeared in JRSM. This draws attention to neurological effects of long-term exposure to CO.

6. Further updates will be provided. As soon as work on producing guidance beings, Members will be involved in the detail of this project.

COMEAP Secretariat
October 2001

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