Significance and Use

IAQ-based complaints and problems including discomfort/health symptoms and unacceptable indoor environmental conditions such as odors exist in residential buildings, but the frequency of the occurrence of IAQ complaints and problems is not known.

Characterization of IAQ concerns and identification of their underlying causes require systematic observations and measurements of the indoor environment, its occupants and contaminant sources. This practice provides background and procedures for the investigation of IAQ concerns.

Where the dwelling is not owner-occupied, formal permission to access certain areas of the property and to collect information essential to the IAQ investigation is often deemed essential to be obtained from the owner and, where applicable, from other tenants. An investigator should seek appropriate legal advice in these matters.

Certain stages of the IAQ investigation could benefit from a review of existing medical records. This requires specific written permission from the patient.

The stepwise and phased approach described in this practice allows for an investigation that is commensurate with the nature of the problem and the level of resources available for the investigation.

1. Scope

1.1 This standard practice describes procedures for evaluating indoor air quality (IAQ) concerns in residential buildings.

1.2 The practice primarily addresses IAQ concerns encountered in single-family detached and attached (for example, townhouse or duplex design) residential buildings. Limited guidance is also included for low- and high-rise multifamily dwellings.

1.3 The IAQ evaluation procedures are comprised of interviews with the homeowner or resident(s) (including telephone interviews and face-to-face meetings) and on-site investigations (including walk-through, assessment, and measurements). For practicality in application, these procedures are dividing into three separate phases.

1.4 The procedures described in this standard practice are aimed at identifying potential causes contributing to the IAQ concern. Such findings should become a basis for recommending corrective measures. This standard practice does not describe problem resolution or corrective measures and the standard is not intended to evaluate the impact of corrective measures.

1.5 Implementation of procedures given in this standard requires the investigator (or investigative team) to have adequate background in several areas: general principles of IAQ; interviewing techniques; building design and construction practices; basic understanding of heating and cooling systems and appliances; use of IAQ measurement equipment; interpretation of IAQ data; and technical report writing.

1.6 Although many elements described in this standard practice may be useful in training of IAQ investigators, it should not be used as the sole basis for specifying or conducting such training.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For additional safety precautionary information, see Section 6.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres

D1357 Practice for Planning the Sampling of the Ambient Atmosphere

D4861 Practice for Sampling and Selection of Analytical Techniques for Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Air

D4947 Test Method for Chlordane and Heptachlor Residues in Indoor Air

D5197 Test Method for Determination of Formaldehyde and Other Carbonyl Compounds in Air (Active Sampler Methodology)

D5438 Practice for Collection of Floor Dust for Chemical Analysis

D5466 Test Method for Determination of Volatile Organic Chemicals in Atmospheres (Canister Sampling Methodology)

D5952 Guide for the Inspection of Water Systems for Legionella and the Investigation of Possible Outbreaks of Legionellosis (Legionnaires Disease or Pontiac Fever)

D5955 Test Methods for Estimating Contribution of Environmental Tobacco Smoke to Respirable Suspended Particles Based on UVPM and FPM

D6196 Practice for Selection of Sorbents, Sampling, and Thermal Desorption Analysis Procedures for Volatile Organic Compounds in Air

D6271 Test Method for Estimating Contribution of Environmental Tobacco Smoke to Respirable Suspended Particles Based on Solanesol

D6333 Practice for Collection of Dislodgeable Pesticide Residues from Floors

D6345 Guide for Selection of Methods for Active, Integrative Sampling of Volatile Organic Compounds in Air

E241 Guide for Limiting Water-Induced Damage to Buildings

E609 Terminology Relating to Pesticides

E620 Practice for Reporting Opinions of Scientific or Technical Experts

E741 Test Method for Determining Air Change in a Single Zone by Means of a Tracer Gas Dilution

E779 Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization

E943 Terminology Relating to Biological Effects and Environmental Fate

E1186 Practices for Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes and Air Barrier Systems

E1554 Test Methods for Determining Air Leakage of Air Distribution Systems by Fan Pressurization

E1827 Test Methods for Determining Airtightness of Buildings Using an Orifice Blower Door

E1998 Guide for Assessing Depressurization-Induced Backdrafting and Spillage from Vented Combustion Appliances

E2128 Guide for Evaluating Water Leakage of Building Walls

Other Documents

Keywords

biological contaminants; chemical contaminants; HVAC systems; IAQ investigations; indoor air quality (IAQ); indoor materials; indoor sources; measurements; odor; survey; ventilation; water leakage;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.040.20 (Ambient atmospheres)

DOI: 10.1520/D7297-06

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM D7297