Take a Breath is a UAE wide awareness and educational initiative drawing attention to the quality of indoor air and the importance of monitoring and improving it.
About the Campaign
TAKE A BREATH – Improving indoor air, is an ongoing awareness campaign focuses on how indoor air quality affects our health and wellbeing, encouraging the monitoring of indoor air quality to understand the source of the pollutants, and empowering targeted actions to mitigate the dissemination of allergens and pollutants in our ambiance to transform the quality of the air we breathe.
Who is this campaign for? Absolutely everyone – public sector, private sector, schools, educational establishments and the larger community. The aim is to educate and drive action in our homes, schools, offices, communities and beyond.
As part of Take a Breath, an in-depth study was conducted in 10 schools in the UAE during the 2023-2024 academic year. The purpose of the study was to collect data on the indoor air quality in schools prior and post solutions implementation within classrooms of primary years and to then create a guidelines from the findings that inform best practices.
WHY SCHOOLS – Looking at youth and the environment that fosters their learning is key to building the resilience of current but also future generations.
Children are particularly vulnerable to the long-term health effects of indoor air pollutants because their bodies are still developing. According to the American Lung Association, children breathe in 50% more air per half kilogram of body weight than adults, making them more susceptible to pollutants. Exposure to pollutants during childhood can lead to health problems later in life.
Educational institutions thus have an ethical responsibility to provide a safe and healthy learning environment. Monitoring and addressing indoor air quality concerns can support the achievement of this responsibility and help foster resilience.
According to research conducted by Philips Foundation and the University of Manchester, decreasing indoor air pollution levels by 20% can improve working memory by 6%, which represents four weeks’ learning time per year, showing that small actions can go a long way!
In addition, schools play a pivotal role in educating the next generation about environmental issues. Testing indoor air quality and showcasing solutions to
address the issue provides an opportunity to teach students about the importance of improving indoor air quality, reducing pollution sources and adopting sustainable practices.
Did You Know?
Indoor air often contains a complex mixture of pollutants and environmental factors that can affect health and comfort.
These could include various allergens such as dust mites, mould spores and pet dander, but also:
- Particulate Matter (PM2.5) – fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller circulating in closed environments, coming from both indoor and outdoor combustion sources. Sources vary between human-related activities (e.g., vehicle emissions, industrial processes) and natural events (e.g., wildfires, dust storms). These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) – a natural gas exhaled by humans. Concentrations are high in poorly ventilated spaces with high occupancy, and elevated CO₂ levels can lead to drowsiness, decreased cognitive performance, and discomfort.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – gases emitted from certain solids or liquids. Sources vary between building materials (e.g., paints, varnishes, adhesives), furnishings, office equipment (e.g., printers, photocopiers) but also emitted from daily household products like all-purpose cleaners and even perfumes and air fresheners. Some examples of these airborne- Benzene, Formaldehyde, Toluene
Indoor air pollutants can cause damage to most organ systems in the body, not just our lungs and airways.
Air pollution has been linked to cardiovascular deaths, stroke deaths and malignancies such as childhood leukemia and bladder cancer, in addition to diabetes mellitus prevalence, morbidity and mortality. Air pollution is also associated with reduced cognitive functions, delayed psychomotor development and lower intelligence. Moreso, there have been links made with It weakens immune systems and is associated with onsets of allergic rhinitis, allergic sensitization and autoimmunity. Physical effects can range from osteoporosis and bone fractures, conjunctivitis, dry eye disease, blepharitis, inflammatory bowel disease, increased intravascular coagulation, and decreased glomerular filtration rate. Indoor air pollution can be the cause for simple headaches to more complicated impacts such as infection with Legionella bacteria and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Taking action to reduce our exposure to indoor air pollution – which is absolutely manageable – is an imperative!
The United Arab Emirates has made indoor air quality a national priority with ambitious targets to reduce air pollution and improve indoor air quality. UAE Vision 2021 aims to raise the air quality to 90 per cent in the UAE
The UAE National Air Quality Agenda 2031 was released in September 2022 to mark the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, providing a framework for improving indoor air quality and reducing the risks to human health.
This framework seeks to:
- Establish effective policies and institutional frameworks.
- Enhance technical and human resource capacities.
- Promote scientific and academic research.
- Leverage advanced technology for better air quality management.
These commitments align with global efforts to combat air pollution, protect public health, enhance environmental sustainability, progress on net-zero emissions, adopt green building design and sustainable building standards in addition to implementing air quality monitoring among other technological innovations.
The footage of the series of sand and dust storms, heatwaves and wildfires over the summer in different parts of the world is a testament of the transboundary impacts of climate change, with dust, smoke, smog and particulate matter finding a way to seep into our indoor spaces causing a buildup of allergens and pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which can have adverse health effects.
These pollutants coming from outdoors can then be trapped indoors and get coupled with a higher concentration of indoor pollutants that result from indoor combustion sources like cooking for instance. To make matters worse, warmer temperatures as a result of global warming, can create favorable environments for mold to grow, leading to exacerbating allergies and intensifying other health conditions especially in poorly ventilated buildings. This complex relationship between climate change and indoor air pollution requires collective action to both mitigate its impact but also adapt to its consequences.
Addressing the interconnected natures of this global challenge provides a range of opportunities for improvement by encouraging the adoption of cleaner energy sources and better building practices.
For more information on the link between climate change and indoor air pollution, click here to listen to this relevant podcast.
While taking action to improve indoor air quality is crucial as it directly impacts human health and wellbeing, how does one begin? With a few simple solutions presented here, the journey to improving indoor air quality does not have to be an overwhelming one.
Knowledge is power. Monitoring your indoor air quality through state-of-the-art technologies (that are readily available and affordable) can help you improve your indoor air quality. Smart air quality monitors can keep you informed about indoor conditions and the types of pollutants present in your indoor spaces, allowing you to take action when needed.
Plants can naturally purify the air. Studies from NASA have shown that certain plants, like the Peace Lily, can remove harmful chemicals from indoor environments.
Periodical care when it comes to your air conditioners (AC) is necessary to reduce outer pollutants reaching your indoor environments. As a minimum, clean your AC filters quarterly and AC ducts annually. Do not forget to also vacuum surfaces regularly to deal with common allergens.
With many air purification options in the market, choose the one that suits you best. Air purification systems can be installed in the HVAC systems, or standalone air purifiers powered by high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can be added to your living spaces to effectively capture allergens and pollutants, making your indoor air cleaner and healthier.
Good ventilation ensures a continuous flow of fresh outdoor air, diluting indoor pollutants. Opening windows and using exhaust fans can make a significant difference.
To avoid moisture collecting indoors and avoiding an environment that then grows mold, humidity levels need to remain between 30 to 50 percent.
We are responsible for releasing hazardous substances into our atmosphere. Perfumes, hair sprays, air fresheners, and paints emit an equal amount of chemical vapor as the emissions of petrol from cars! Combustion sources such as candles and tobacco products fill the air with carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Some fabrics and furniture in addition to the chemicals we use to clean our houses, schools, and offices can emit volatile organic compounds around us. It is important to rethink our consumption of such products to eliminate the source of pollution and substitute them for nature-based, non-toxic alternatives.
Please Click Here to view our Solution Partners.
School Engagement
As part of the Take a Breath initiative, we offer a range of opportunities to educate students about the importance of indoor air quality (IAQ) and how they can improve it in their schools, homes, and communities.
Interactive Awareness Sessions
Our awareness sessions engage students in discussions that highlight the impact of IAQ on their health and learning environments. These sessions inspire students to understand the importance of clean air indoors and motivate them to take action to improve it.
Gamified Workshops
Through engaging, hands-on workshops designed for entire year groups, students explore IAQ solutions in a fun and interactive way. These workshops empower students to take practical steps toward improving air quality in their schools, homes, and local communities.
By participating in these activities, students become advocates for cleaner, healthier air, spreading awareness and inspiring action to improve it.
Corporate Study
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a critical but often overlooked factor in workplace health and productivity. Poor air quality can lead to headaches, fatigue, respiratory issues, and reduced cognitive performance—impacts that ripple across employee well-being and organizational efficiency.
Groundbreaking research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health shows that elevated levels of pollutants in indoor environments correlate with measurable declines in cognitive function. By contrast, well-ventilated spaces significantly boost cognitive performance and overall workplace outcomes.
The Take a Breath corporate study, running between the beginning of 2024 to the end of 2025, aims to advance vital research on IAQ across UAE workplaces, contributing to the UAE National Air Quality Agenda 2031. Participating organizations will help generate critical data to inform evidence-based policies and best practices for healthier indoor environments.
Why Participate?
Team Building
Under the Take a Breath initiative, we run engaging corporate team-building activities designed to raise awareness about indoor air quality and the steps we can take to improve it. Plants, nature’s air purifiers, have been shown to capture indoor air pollutants and alleviate symptoms of sick building syndrome, making them essential for healthier living and working spaces.
This activity offers participants the chance to deepen their understanding of the hidden challenges associated with indoor air quality and explore practical, on-the-ground solutions. Through a hands-on experience, they will create their own natural air purifiers, combining learning with action.
Build One, Share One: For every terrarium created, a second terrarium will be shared with local foundations and charities, offering the gift of cleaner air to those in need.
This meaningful activity promotes environmental and health awareness while fostering teamwork and community impact. It’s an opportunity for employees to engage with a critical issue while contributing to their own well-being and the broader community.
Knowledge Partners
Advisory Board
DIMA AL SROURI
Founder
Biospheric City Lab
TATIANA ANTONELLI ABELLA
Founder & Managing Director
Goumbook
DR DIANA FRANCIS
Assistant Professor, Earth Sciences
ENGEOS Labs, Khalifa University
DEEPTHY K B
Regional Director, Market Development
GBCI Middle East
ORIOL TEIXIDO
WHO Advisor & Associate Director, Air Quality and Climate Change
Ricardo
DR SRIKANTH SOLA
CEO & Co-Founder
Devic Earth
HEBA SAFI
Technical Officer on Air Quality and Health, World Health Organization
Regional Centre for Environmental Health Activities, Amman, Jordan
MÒNICA UBALDE LÓPEZ
Research Scientist at the Climate, Air Pollution, Nature and Urban Health Program, Barcelona Institute for Global Health
ISGlobal
FAIZAL HASHAM
General Manager
AQM
DR SAFEENA KHERANI
Paediatric Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Consultant
Al Jalila Children's Hospital
JIE ZHAO
WELL Faculty, Head of Delos Labs, Executive Vice President
Delos
For more information about Take a Breath
In the Press
