The Times Australia
Google AI
News From Asia

.

Indoor Air Pollution Cannot Be Ignored Clean Air Network Supports Businesses in Meeting the Challenge

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 30 October 2025 - The World Health Organization reports that over 3 million people worldwide die each year from indoor air pollution.

In Hong Kong, people spend nearly 90% of their time indoors.[1] For office workers who often have long working hours, the air quality in workplaces directly affects their health, work efficiency, and, ultimately, corporate productivity. Environmental group Clean Air Network is currently driving various programs to raise public awareness about the threats of indoor air pollution. The organization also collaborates with businesses to create safe and healthy working environments.

Many people believe that staying indoors protects them from outdoor vehicle emissions and poor air quality. However, a variety of harmful indoor air pollutants may also be present, such as suspended particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), biological contaminants like mold and dust mites, among others. Prolonged exposure may lead to cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, asthma, skin allergies, and more. The causes of indoor air pollution are complex and can be influenced by factors such as building use, chemical substances in the environment, ventilation, temperature, and humidity.

Patrick Fung, Chief Executive Officer of Clean Air Network, said, "There are already feasible solutions in the market to help businesses manage indoor air quality. Although the Hong Kong Stock Exchange does not currently require companies to disclose indoor air quality information in ESG reports, we firmly believe that the health and wellbeing of employees, consumers, and tenants are central to the core values of most companies. Therefore, we encourage more businesses to actively manage indoor air quality as a demonstration of their commitment."

Common indoor air pollution threats faced by office workers include VOCs released from printing equipment[2] and formaldehyde emitted from office renovation materials and furniture[3]. In addition, studies have found that due to poor ventilation in some Hong Kong buildings, carbon dioxide exhaled by employees can accumulate and become a source of pollution.[4] Extended exposure to high levels of carbon dioxide can cause fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and even headaches.

Currently, there are no laws in Hong Kong regulating indoor air quality. The government promotes indoor air management through the voluntary Indoor Air Quality Certification Scheme. Patrick Fung believes that the general public places great importance on physical and mental health, and encourages businesses to actively respond to employees' concerns by creating safe breathing environments. To this end, Clean Air Network has launched a Partnership Program to help businesses and NGOs monitor indoor air quality and explore improvement measures.

Meanwhile, to enhance public awareness of indoor air quality, Clean Air Network will invite citizens over the next two months to measure air pollutants in frequently visited places such as gyms, shopping malls, and restaurants using portable instruments. The data collected will be used to create an online interactive map for public reference.

For more information, please visit Clean Air Network's website: https://hongkongcan.org/indoor-air-quality-iaq/ .



[1] Chau C K, Tu E Y, Chan D W T and Burnett J. Estimating the total exposure to air pollutants for different population age groups in Hong Kong. Environment International, Vol. 27, p.617-630, 2002.
[2] Hui, P.-S., K.-W. Mui, and L.-T. Wong, Influence of indoor air quality (IAQ) objectives on air-conditioned offices in Hong Kong. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2008. 144: p.315-322.
[3] Lee, S.-C., et al., Inter-comparison of air pollutant concentrations in different indoor environments in Hong Kong. Atmospheric Environment, 2002. 36(12): p. 1929-1940.
[4] Zhou, Y., et al., Airborne Bacteria in Outdoor Air and Air of Mechanically Ventilated Buildings at City Scale in Hong Kong across Seasons. Environmental Science & Technology, 2020. 54(19):p.11732-11743.
Hashtag: #IAQ #publichealth #indoorairpollution #ESG #environment #wellbeing





The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Clean Air Network (https://hongkongcan.org)

('CAN') is the only non-governmental organisation in Hong Kong focused on air issues. We seek to achieve our vision 'Clean Air for All' in Hong Kong through constructive dialogue and integrating various resources.

Times Magazine

The Voltx Topband V1200 Portable Power Station Review

When we received a Voltx Topband V1200 portable power station for review, a staff member at The Time...

Is E10 fuel bad for my car? And could it save me money?

Fuel has become a precious, and increasingly expensive, commodity. The ongoing Middle East co...

Efficient Water Carts for Dust Control

Managing dust effectively is a critical challenge across numerous industries in Australia. From sp...

How new rules could stop AI scrapers destroying the internet

Australians are among the most anxious in the world[1] about artificial intelligence (AI). This...

Why Car Enthusiasts Are Turning to Container Shipping for Interstate Moves

Moving across the country requires careful planning and plenty of patience. The scale of domestic ...

What to know if you’re considering an EV

Soaring petrol prices are once again making many Australians think seriously[1] about switching ...

The Times Features

Finding the Right Disability Housing in Perth: A Practical Guide for Participants and Families

Where you live shapes everything. It shapes the relationships you build, the community you belong ...

Shou Sugi Ban: The Ancient Japanese Timber Technique Transforming Australian Architecture

There is something quietly extraordinary about a building material that has been refined over cent...

The Complete Guide to LED Installation: What Homeowners and Business Owners Need to Know

Electricity bills in Australia are among the highest in the developed world, and lighting accounts...

I’m close to retirement age. What are my options for drawing on my super savings?

Retiring well means making a series of decisions to ensure a financially secure post-work life. ...

Samsung expands B2B Mobile eXperience distribution with Ingram Micro Australia

The channel diversification reinforcers the Australian B2B division’s positive trajectory SYDNE...

Focusing on how and why you eat – not just what – may be the key to healthy eating

When most people think about “healthy eating”, they usually focus on what they eat. That might...

HARRY POTTER™: THE EXHIBITION TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

An Enchanting Exhibition Celebrating the world of Harry Potter Opens in SYDNEY on 14 MAY Get r...

Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan - Sky News Interview

SKY NEWS TRANSCRIPT WITH HOST PETER STEFANOVIC; FUEL CRISIS; PAGE RESEARCH CENTRE REPORT ON LIQUID F...

Taste Port Douglas 10-year celebration

Serving up more than 40 events across four days, the anniversary edition  promises a vibrant cel...