United Nations

Ruth Brooker, a Bishopston-based campaigner for clean air in Bristol schools, recently attended a Healthy Indoor Air conference in New York. 

Described as a ‘high-level side event, to be held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly’, the conference on 23 September, brought together leading global figures and experts in Indoor Air Quality, representing all regions of the world and from a variety of backgrounds.

“There were high-level speakers from government, UN agencies, academia, healthcare, education, policy, sustainability, and industry attending this event to share insights, experience, and diverse perspectives on how they are approaching indoor air quality” said Ruth.

Speakers at the UN event, outlined many reasons why indoor air quality is so important. These ranged from poor airflow in buildings, spread of disease, damp, mould and pollution from outside air to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are chemicals released as gases from certain solids and liquids, including building materials, furnishings and household products.

During the event attendees were invited to sign a Global Pledge for Healthy Indoor Air. (see photo below).