In an unprecedented move to safeguard public health and improve human performance, the United Nations has announced the formation of the Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air, a landmark initiative bringing together nearly 170 global leaders from more than 30 countries.
The announcement marks a historic moment in public health: for the first time, indoor air quality is being recognized as a global priority on par with clean water, and nutrition.
The commission unites world-renowned experts from public health, academia, civil society, building science, real estate, and industry. Members include former U.S. Surgeons General, senior scientists from top universities, chief executives from technology and manufacturing sectors, and leaders in architecture, engineering, and building design. Together, they aim to chart a bold, globally coordinated pathway to healthier indoor environments, ensuring that safe and clean air is accessible in every home, school, workplace, and public space.
The Urgent Need for Action on Indoor Air
Indoor air pollution represents one of the largest overlooked public health crises of our time. Studies estimate that poor indoor air quality contributes to more than three million premature deaths globally each year. It exacerbates chronic and acute health conditions, including respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, cognitive decline, and learning impairments.
Despite the severity of the problem, indoor air quality has historically lagged behind other environmental protections, even though people spend about 90% of their lives indoors. In many homes, schools, and offices, indoor air can be three to five times more polluted than the air outside. Factors such as chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pet dander, mold, and viral pathogens create a complex indoor environment that poses serious risks to both short- and long-term health.
Dr. Lidia Morawska, Distinguished Professor and Director of the International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health, Queensland University of Technology, and Co-Chair of the Commission, emphasized, “We’ve spent decades building the science behind solutions to improve indoor air, and the evidence is clear — we know the solutions, and we have the technologies. Now, through the Global Commission, we are charting the path and building the awareness to bring those solutions into our homes, workplaces, and every type of building, so that people everywhere can finally breathe free in all the places and spaces where life happens.”
Driving Global Action Through the Commission
The Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air is taking actionable steps to ensure indoor air quality becomes a priority worldwide. Over the next several years, the commission will:
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Develop a Global Framework for Action with clear recommendations for market transformation, policy, and innovation.
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Produce country-level National Blueprints to address the unique needs of different regions and accelerate adoption of healthy indoor air solutions.
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Mobilize investment across sectors to support scalable, affordable, and effective technologies.
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Raise public awareness of indoor air pollution’s human, economic, and societal costs, highlighting the health and performance benefits of cleaner indoor environments.
Dr. Richard Carmona, 17th Surgeon General of the United States and Co-Chair of the Commission, said, “Indoor air quality is more than a necessity; it’s a fundamental human right. Through the Global Commission’s work to deliver cleaner indoor air and publish a Global Framework for Action, we create a path for all buildings to enhance health and well-being in every way possible.”
Solutions at Home: Why Air Purifiers Matter
While global policies and frameworks are critical, the reality is that indoor air pollution affects homes and families today. This is where actionable solutions, like high-efficiency air purifiers with activated carbon, come into play. Portable purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon provide multi-stage filtration to remove fine particulates (PM2.5), allergens, VOCs, mold spores, and even airborne viruses, providing immediate protection where it matters most.
Austin Air has been at the forefront of indoor air solutions for decades, helping families, schools, and offices improve the air they breathe every day. Our Build Your Own Bundle Pack options allows households to tailor air purification across multiple (3-7) rooms or spaces, ensuring complete home coverage. For instance:
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The Immunity Machine is designed for chemical and viral defense, ideal for homes with heightened sensitivity or during cold and flu seasons.
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The HealthMate Plus delivers heavy-duty filtration for environments with high chemical, VOC, or pollution exposure.
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The Bedroom Machine creates a restorative air environment for better sleep and overall wellness.
By combining units in a customized bundle, families can achieve whole-home protection, while also unlocking cost savings compared to purchasing single units.
Education, Awareness, and Accessibility
The Global Commission also highlights that indoor air pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions. Wildfire smoke, climate change, and urban air pollution only exacerbate these disparities.
Experts agree that widespread adoption of air purification, proper ventilation, and attention to building design are essential to reducing these inequities.
A Global Call to Action—and Personal Responsibility
The formation of the Global Commission on Healthy Indoor Air is a critical milestone in the fight for healthier indoor environments, but it also reinforces the importance of immediate, personal action. Families can take meaningful steps today to improve their indoor air, from limiting sources of indoor pollutants to deploying effective filtration solutions.
Austin Air’s approach combines science-backed technology, decades of experience, and customizable solutions, empowering households to meet their unique indoor air challenges. As indoor air quality becomes a recognized global priority, practical steps like using advanced purifiers in multiple rooms help bridge the gap between international goals and everyday health outcomes.
Looking Ahead
The Commission will release its Global Framework for Action by the end of 2026, alongside national blueprints to guide regional policies and solutions. This multi-year effort is poised to transform how indoor air is managed globally, raising the floor of indoor air quality to protect health, boost productivity, and ensure access to clean air for everyone.
For families looking to act now, Austin Air offers a solution that aligns with the commission’s vision: whole-home protection through the Build Your Own Bundle Pack. By strategically placing purifiers where they are most needed, households can dramatically reduce exposure to pollutants, allergens, and airborne pathogens—creating safer, healthier spaces where everyone can thrive.
Take action today: build your custom bundle and breathe easier tomorrow.
