The Taiwan government has been paying significant attention to air quality issues over recent years. After the passing of the Indoor Air Quality Management Act on November 23, 2011, the maintenance, management and improvement of indoor air quality has become a key item on the political agenda. The project this year sought to assist the Environmental Protection Bureau, Changhua County in the advocacy of relevant laws and regulations on indoor air quality and the maintenance and management of indoor air quality. Below are the achievements this year: I.The quarterly inspections were conducted as ongoing monitoring of the personnel deployment, maintenance ＆ management schemes and periodical tests at the 44 designated venues in the county. The regular follow-ups and control measures aim to assist the compliance of the designated venues that may be outdated in their procedures or failing to adhere to laws and regulations. Currently, the management and maintenance at these venues are in line with requirements. II.The autonomous management system was modified and continuously advocated. This year saw a total of 69 venues sign up for the autonomous management system, including 44 designated ones and 25 non-designated ones. The latter was primarily kindergartens, medical institutions, parent-children activity centers, shopping malls, restaurants and elderly care homes. This project organized workshops for the participants of the autonomous management system in order to enhance the professional of their personnel. Assistance was provided for their formulation of indoor air quality maintenance/management programs, as well as preparation and success for the annual inspections. Among the 69 new participants of the autonomous management system this year, 5 designated venues and 5 non-designated venues were rewarded by the Changhua County Government for outstanding work according to the result assessment in the first stage and onsite valuations by experts in the second stage. III.Routine inspections were completed on an aggregate of 103 public and private venues. A total of 61 joint audits and 10 standard audits were also performed. These onsite inspections found the concentration of pollutants and from two venues breached the statutory limits. These pollutants were mainly carbon dioxide and formaldehyde, caused by poor ventilation, insufficient oxygenation and the use of chemicals or décor materials. Pollution assessments were subsequently conducted on these two venues. Recommendations were provided on how to improve the control of pollution sources, ventilation and oxygenation. After the implementation of improvement measures, both venues have passed the second tests. IV.A cross-department coordination and cooperation meeting was convened, by inviting the competent authorities responsible for the investigation of non-designated venues next year according to the checklist from the Environmental Protection Administration, Executive Yuan. The purpose was to help the government agencies understand the relevant laws and regulations concerning the maintenance and management of indoor air quality and provide an update of the current status of the progression in the county. A list of the venues they are responsible for was issued, to facilitate correspondence and onsite visits. Follow-ups after the meeting have been positive. V.The main advocacy activities were nine seminars, continued updates of the website “Information for Indoor Air Quality in Changhua County” and the production/distribution of 450 promo pamphlets. The purpose was to enhance the understanding and awareness of the citizens and all the public/private venues regarding the laws and regulations governing indoor air quality. It is hoped that more public/private venues will sign up for autonomous management, to maintain the quality of indoor air throughout the county.

Indoor air quality, Indoor air pollutants, Carbon dioxide