A new academic report by the Australian Academy of Science warns about the harmful impacts of poor indoor air quality on people and stresses the need for the Australian government to address the challenge through actionable measures and policies.
In light of increasing public health crises and in the interest of the Australian people, a law was passed to establish an independent regulatory body. The Australian CDC has three priorities to focus on, and one of them is environmental health. It focuses on improving air quality, controlling environmental toxins and addressing occupational threats.
In this blog post, we will explore the newly launched Australian CDC and how organisations can implement actions to support its new goals.
Indoor Air Quality – An Invisible Threat
Australians spend 90% of their time indoors. Exposure to poor indoor air quality can reduce productivity and negatively impact human health. Various factors contribute to indoor air pollution, including outside air, asbestos, VOCs, particulate matter, biological contaminants, tobacco smoke, and dust.
As per the CDC, exposure to polluted air can lead to serious health concerns. Dust and higher pollen count can trigger allergies and asthma attacks. Airborne viruses cause transmission of coronavirus and influenza, and particulate matter can lead to lung and heart diseases. Reports state that 2025 was the worst year as the nation witnessed a record-breaking rise in influenza cases. The flu season recorded 410,000 active cases, which is a 10.8% increase from cases reported in 2024.
CDC and the Role of Infection Prevention and Control in Australia
While the establishment of the Australian CDC is a step toward improving the national public health system, infection and disease control is still excluded and is considered a separate specialty to manage risks, ensure consumer and employee safety, and prepare Australia to tackle future health crises. The inclusion of IPC in the Australian CDC is crucial to increasing the health system’s responsiveness, improving preparedness, and strengthening risk management plans.
IPC emphasises improving indoor air quality levels, as exposure to contaminants and particulate matter leads to chronic illnesses and the transmission of viruses.
How Should Organisations Shift to Health Protection
The current situation of indoor air quality levels and the urgency of actionable measures call for a cultural shift in organisations. What can they do to support new initiatives and priorities? Let’s find out.
Focus on Cleaner Air:
The first step for companies is to reset ventilation targets. They should opt for a CO2 reading to redefine their targets. A reading below 800 ppm indicates ideal ventilation levels. On the other hand, a reading close to 1500 ppm indicates contaminated air with higher levels of CO2. Organisations can detect higher CO2 levels with the help of CO2 monitors. Euromate Pure Air’s Air-Box is a portable monitor featuring an infrared carbon dioxide sensor for accurate detection. It can detect particles of size smaller than 1 micron.
Install HEPA Filtration Equipment:
Organisations should install air purifiers across their facilities. However, standard filtration only cleans larger particles, such as dust. HEPA filtration is required for the elimination of smaller airborne particles. HEPA filters are found to trap particles as small as 0.3 microns. Moreover, air filters must have a MERV rating of 13 for effective infection control and improved indoor air quality. Euromate Pure Air offers a wide range of air purification systems featuring HEPA filters for effective and efficient removal of pollutants. From Pure Air Shield 8500 to VisionAir Blue, the company has set a benchmark for residential, commercial and industrial air purifiers. To explore more about these products, click here.
Exercise Control:
While organisations cannot control the number of occupants, they can manage high-risk activities. For instance, a gym company can relocate its classes to a well-ventilated area or outdoors during flu season to help control the transmission of viruses. Moreover, workplaces should integrate both mechanical and natural ventilation for more effectiveness. Fresh air recirculation dilutes the concentration of virus particles and minimises the risk of transmission. Air filtration systems, on the other hand, trap pollutants, bacteria, mould and dust, improving indoor air quality in buildings.
Final Thoughts
The establishment of the Australian CDC ensures policy implementation for effective infection control and improved indoor air quality. Euromate Pure Air contributes to the goal of indoor air quality by offering advanced air purification technology. All air purifiers feature high-efficiency filters for effective removal of pollutants, ensuring safe indoor air for breathing. For more information or consultation, contact our indoor air quality experts.
