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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 provided for low- and high-rise multifamily dwellings, such as condominiums and apartments.

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 application practicality, these procedures are divided into three separate phases, which may occur over one or more site visits.

1.4 The procedures described in this standard practice are aimed at identifying potential causes contributing to an IAQ issue or concern. Such findings can be the 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 This practice describes a pathway for characterizing indoor air, though using this practice does not guarantee that an investigator will be able to identify or resolve an IAQ complaint for one or more of the following reasons: (1) the diversity of sources and contaminants in indoor air; (2) other factors that may affect occupant perception and acceptance of indoor air quality, such as air temperature, humidity, noise, lighting, and psychological stress; (3) the range of susceptibility in the population.

1.6 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.

1.7 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.

1.8 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For additional safety precautionary information, see Section 6.

1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

5.1 IAQ-based complaints and problems include discomfort/medical symptoms and unacceptable indoor environmental conditions such as odors that exist in residential buildings. The frequency of the occurrence of IAQ complaints and problems may be unknown.

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

5.3 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 required.

5.4 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.