Indoor Air Pollution in Japan and Overseas: Current Conditions and Countermeasures

The present paper reviews the historical background of indoor air pollution in Japan and overseas from the perspectives of research and political countermeasures. It also recommends future approaches to these issues in Japan. In contrast to the occupational environment, the indoor air in the residential environment contains multiple lowconcentration chemicals. Hence, the fundamental concept of approaches to preserving good indoor air quality consists of non-regulatory strategies based on indoor air quality information, for instance guideline values, labeling systems, and guidance. In addition, indoor air pollutants that are associated with serious public health effects and are extensively used in the residential environment have been the subject of regulations to restrict emission rates or ban the use of emission sources. Over the past forty years, many effective measures have been taken to improve indoor air pollution. However, as a result of major changes in building materials, consumer products, and lifestyle, new issues have arisen such as phthalates in indoor dust and indoor secondary emissions. Continuous and integrated risk assessment to identify high-risk factors is needed, as well as a comprehensive framework to provide further transparent information on emission sources, product ingredients, and management of indoor environments.