Introduction to air quality on board

Indoor air quality plays an important role in exposure to air pollutants. The relationship between the indoor environment and health is complex, with many different factors at play.

As we spend most of our time indoors, whether at home, at work or in vehicles, indoor air quality has a significant impact on our health and well-being. In homes and offices, the most common sources of air pollutants are related to building materials, furniture, paints and cleaning products. For example, chipboard and textiles emit formaldehyde, while solvents, paints and glues can release organic compounds. Even carpets can release plasticizers and aldehydes. Volatile substances are mainly emitted into the air by new materials, but some substances can be continuously emitted for years. Even at low levels, the chemicals can smell and be irritating. Dust and particles are also always present in indoor air.

Many the indoor pollutants come from people themselves and from personal hygiene products such as deodorants, shampoos and cosmetics. Some substances, such as ozone and nitrogen dioxide, originate in outdoor air and are brought indoors through ventilation systems.

Air pollution and health

Epidemiological and toxicological studies show associations between exposure to air pollution and health effects. The risk of exposure to a particular substance depends on how harmful or toxic the substance is and how large a dose is needed to cause adverse health effects. Health effects can be either local or systemic. Local health effects on the body may include, for example, damage of the skin and irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract after direct contact with a substance. Systemic health effects can occur when the exposure has resulted in the substance being absorbed into one or more organs through the skin, the respiratory tract or by ingestion. This can lead to acute poisoning or long-term damage such as allergies or cancer.

Indoor air quality on board a ship

The indoor environment on board a ship is mainly characterised by substances originating in the ship's fuels, lubricating oils and engine exhaust gases. The air contains a complex mixture of mainly carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, as well as aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, straight aliphatic hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Indoor air on board is drawn from outdoor air by the ship's ventilation system, where it can be cleaned, heated and cooled. In ports and busy shipping lanes, pollutants from industry and other ships' exhaust gases can enter the indoor air. Inside the ship, additional air pollutants are generated, for example from cleaning, painting, welding and cooking. Air pollutants may be present in gaseous form or as particles of various sizes.