There is something wonderfully analogous about the human body and buildings–both are made of systems, for example, that move air, filter light, and control temperatures. The analogy was identified and used to great effect by the authors of Indoor Air Quality Handbook. Co-edited by Jack Spengler, Akira Yamaguchi Professor of Environmental Health and Human Habitation in the Department of Environmental Health, the handbook describes human and building systems and how they interact with each other.

"We started out with an analogy of physiology," said Spengler. "‘How does a building work? How does it breathe?’ Then we asked, ‘What are the physiological components of human beings that sense the environment? How do they react to their surroundings?’"

After an introduction, the book investigates indoor air quality from several viewpoints. Building systems are described in depth followed by how humans respond to these systems, such as lighting levels. Individual indoor pollutants like asbestos, molds, and radon are explored. Strategies for both assessment of indoor air quality and prevention of problems are offered. Specific buildings such as hospitals and ice rinks are studied, and finally, current laws regarding indoor air quality are summarized.

"We felt that no one had pulled this all together," said Spengler. "There are any number of books on outdoor air pollution but very few on indoor air quality. Those that do exist are expensive, pricing at about $300." (Published by McGraw-Hill, Indoor Air Quality Handbook costs $115.)

The book’s list of contributors reflects the depth of the environmental health program at HSPH, with no less than 21 current or past HSPH faculty, students, or postdocs lending their expertise.

In addition to Spengler, two HSPH alumni, Jonathan Samet and John McCarthy, edited the book. The contributors were not picked from a sense of nepotism or loyalty to HSPH, said Spengler. They are simply the experts in their fields.

"We’ve had a tradition at the school of studying the indoor environment long before the research became as noteworthy as it has recently," said Spengler.

In the 1930s and 40s, he pointed out, HSPH faculty member Constantine Yaglou designed a ventilation system that became the standard around the world for the next 50 years.

Now the Department of Environmental Health researches all sorts of indoor air issues, such as airborne infections in the office, schools and airplanes.

For more information on the handbook, visit www.books.mcgraw-hill.com.