ASTM Int'l Practice Evaluates Indoor Air Quality Problems - ASTM D 7297

June 4, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS

ASTM D 7297 - Practice for Evaluating Residential Indoor Air Quality Concerns is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee D22.05 on Indoor Air, part of ASTM International Committee D22 on Air Quality.

The first modern IAQ studies showed that many air pollutants occurred at higher concentrations inside buildings than outdoor conditions would suggest, which indicated the importance of indoor air pollution sources, said Niren Nagda, a D22 member and the principal investigator for a research project that forms the basis for ASTM D 7297.

Nagda is also the chair of Subcommittee D22.05.

"Unlike ambient air quality, IAQ is not covered by regulations and problems can be difficult to identify and resolve," said Nagda. "Residential IAQ problems are especially difficult to resolve as the contaminants may not be considered to be as immediately threatening as those found in industrial settings."

Nonetheless, Nagda said that contaminants such as carbon monoxide, lead, asbestos and mold, as well as the intrusion of moisture itself, have been problematic in residential settings and are increasingly the subjects of IAQ lawsuits.

According to Nagda, IAQ-based complaints and problems including health symptoms and odors exist in buildings but the frequency of IAQ issues 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," said Nagda. "This practice provides background and procedures for the investigation of IAQ issues."

"This practice represents the best current understanding of indoor air quality problems and their causes," said Nagda. "Thus, users of [ASTM] D 7297 are encouraged to send a summary of their experiences and other relevant feedback to D22.05 to aid in future revisions."

Source: ASTM International.