Energy Conservation Measures, Indoor Air Quality and Health

Dear Colleagues,

Our changing climate is poised to affect the health of human populations through numerous pathways.  One such pathway is via the modification of indoor environments, which are directly linked to extreme weather events and long-term climate conditions (Institute of Medicine. Climate Change, the Indoor Environmental and Health, Wash DC: National Academies Press, 2011). In addition to direct outdoor effects on exposures and health, society’s attempts to adapt and mitigate these effects may also have notable consequences for indoor environments.

For example, a warmer atmosphere with increased outdoor air pollution, forest fires, pollen and dust, heat waves, excessive rainfall, droughts and the longer-term aberrations of regional climates would impact building performance and occupant health.  As we attempt to reduce the footprint of human activity, the modification of our housing and commercial buildings may also negatively affect indoor air quality and occupant health.  These risks are real for both the developed and developing world.

This issue will highlight new research and analyses on how indoor environments and human health are affected by climate change and our responses to this challenge.  Research papers, analytical reviews, case studies, conceptual frameworks, and policy-relevant articles are solicited.  Of particular interest are articles assessing the consequences of energy conservation programs involving low-income populations. We also encourage authors to submit studies which address issues and approaches relevant to developing countries.

Professor John D. Spengler
Dr. Gary Adamkiewicz
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• climate change
• weatherization
• infiltration
• air exchange
• indoor environment
• indoor air quality (IAQ)
• retrofits
• ventilation rates
• developing countries
• environmental justice