A new research project has been launched to address indoor air quality issues in Victoria, with a focus on protecting the community from airborne infections, pollution, bushfire smoke and the impacts of a changing climate.
The Burnet Institute has been selected to lead the Pathway to Clean Indoor Air in Victoria project, a two-year initiative involving a multidisciplinary research consortium. The project aims to assess and improve indoor air quality in a range of community spaces, including schools, workplaces and public areas.
Research by the US Environmental Protection Agency has shown that poor indoor air quality can reduce productivity and adversely affect health and well-being. This includes an increased incidence of respiratory viruses such as influenza, measles, COVID-19 and whooping cough, highlighting the need for improved indoor air quality measures.
The project will work towards establishing practical indoor air quality standards and informing public health guidelines and policies. Long-term goals include integrating these standards into building codes and promoting healthier indoor environments. The research is expected to be completed in 2026.
The Burnet Institute is also a founding partner of the Australian Institute for Infectious Disease, supported by a significant $400 million investment.