COVID-19 and indoor air quality – the big miss and big opportunity

The COVID-19 pandemic propelled global interest in indoor air quality. Experts from diverse fields, including those previously quiet on IAQ, rushed to learn more. Researchers pivoted. Innovative solutions were developed and deployed. Challenges arose and solutions were trialled. Novel collaborations began, and networks formed.

Despite this flurry of activity, barriers emerged that continue to delay progress. Leaders were unconvinced by the science, political cycles undermined speed, and there was confusion around which portfolio “owns” IAQ. Lessons from mitigating other global challenges – like tobacco, vehicle safety and sun damage – can be employed to help shape strategies to accelerate progress on IAQ.

About Bronwyn

Prof Bronwyn King AO has worked in public health since 2010, first in tobacco control and more recently on indoor air quality. She is founder and CEO of global NGO Tobacco Free Portfolios. Bronwyn’s TEDx Sydney talk has been viewed over three million times. Bronwyn is a former elite swimmer who represented Australia and for 10 years worked as Team Doctor for the Australian Swimming Team.

She is a non-executive director and currently serves on a number of boards. In 2019, Bronwyn was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia and reigned throughout 2020 as Melburnian of the Year.