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

Epson launches ELPCS01 mobile projector cart

Designed for the EB-810E[1] projector and provides easy setup for portable displays in flexible ...

Governance Models for Headless CMS in Large Organizations

Where headless CMS is adopted by large enterprises, governance is the single most crucial factor d...

Narwal Freo Z Ultra Robotic Vacuum and Mop Cleaner

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5)Category: Premium Robot Vacuum & Mop ComboBest for: Busy households, ha...

Shark launches SteamSpot - the shortcut for everyday floor mess

Shark introduces the Shark SteamSpot Steam Mop, a lightweight steam mop designed to make everyda...

Game Together, Stay Together: Logitech G Reveals Gaming Couples Enjoy Higher Relationship Satisfaction

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many lovebirds across Australia are planning for the m...

AI threatens to eat business software – and it could change the way we work

In recent weeks, a range of large “software-as-a-service” companies, including Salesforce[1], Se...

The Times Features

AI could help us more accurately screen for breast cancer – new research

At least 20,000[1] Australian women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. And more than ...

Housing ACT tenants left in unsafe conditions

An ACT Ombudsman report has found that Housing ACT tenants have been left waiting in unsafe and haza...

Shark SteamSpot S2001 Review: A Chemical-Free Way to Tackle Messes and Stubborn Stains

If you're looking for a reliable steam mop that can handle both everyday spills and stubborn stains ...

How Businesses Are Generating Profits in a High-Inflation Economic Environment

Inflation in Australia and globally has surged to multi-decade highs since 2021, driven by pande...

The Effects of the War in the Middle East on Australian Small Businesses

The war in the Middle East is not a distant geopolitical event for Australia. In an interconnect...

Back at uni? How to help your wellbeing while you study

University can be a time of great opportunities, but it can also be very stressful[1]. Many stud...

Taste Port Douglas celebrates 10 years of world-class flavour in the tropics

30+ events, new sunrise and wellness experiences, 20+ chefs and a headline Michelin-star line-up...

Oztent RV tent range. Buy with caution

A review of the Oztent RV "30 second tent" range. Three years ago we bought an RV-4 from BCF Mack...

Essential Upgrades for a Smarter, Safer Australian Home

As we settle into 2026, the concept of the "dream home" has fundamentally shifted. The focus has m...