ASTM recently released updates to the E2600-15: Standard Guide for Vapor Encroachment Screening on Property Involved in Real Estate Transactions, a document that aims to improve guidance on how vapor intrusion risk should be assessed.
The topic of vapor intrusion and how it impacts occupant health, business operations, cash flow and property values is fairly widely considered in the commercial real estate industry. Exactly how to address this risk in the due diligence process, however, is not always well understood.
Intrusion of vapors from certain chemicals and substances harm the health of occupants, especially infants, immune-compromised individuals, and the elderly. Building owners, particularly multi-family residential owners that don’t address this issue, expose themselves to serious legal liability.
The collection of samples and interpretation of data during assessments can be performed inconsistently. The update to the ASTM guide attempts to provide a more uniform method for vapor intrusion assessments.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2017
Boston’s plans for new development at odds with flood projections
One plan calls for building in areas predicted to be flooded during high tides as sea levels rise.
Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2017
New LEED for Cities, LEED for Communities pilot certifications unveiled
Requires tracking of performance data and progress toward goals.
Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2017
China claims top ranking outside of U.S. for total LEED-certified space
Canada, India, Brazil, and Korea round out top 5.
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2017
OSHA prompts more proactive approach to construction site safety
Remote operated camera systems are being used to mitigate risk in real time.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2017
2018 building energy code upholds efficiency gains
Efforts to scale back efficiency requirements largely defeated.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2017
Low-income housing doesn’t lower neighborhood housing values
A Trulia study contradicts longstanding fears.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2017
Intelligent transportation systems have implications for designers, construction firms
Sensors and Internet of Things devices will have to be embedded in infrastructure.
Codes and Standards | Dec 15, 2016
OSHA releases safety recommendation guide for construction industry
It is said to be most helpful to small and mid-sized contractors.
Codes and Standards | Dec 14, 2016
Cities must invest $375 billion to avoid catastrophic global climate change
C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group advocates low carbon infrastructure.
Codes and Standards | Dec 14, 2016
Resilient construction techniques pay for themselves over lifetime of buildings
Spending $340,000 for resiliency would pay for itself over the lifetime of a $10 million structure.
