flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Vapor intrusion risk addressed in new ASTM guide update

Codes and Standards

Vapor intrusion risk addressed in new ASTM guide update

The updates address industry confusion over how to handle the issue.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | September 8, 2016

Photo: Ali K., Wikimedia Creative Commons

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 | Oct 20, 2016

What top-ranked energy efficiency states are doing right on codes, utility mandates

Calif., and Mass., use aggressive targets to lead nation.

Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2016

New cross-laminated timber fire tests back proponents of high-rise wood structures

'Demonstrating for the first time the feasibility of tall mass timber buildings in the U.S.’

Codes and Standards | Oct 14, 2016

ASCE issues first tsunami-safe building standards

The new standards will become part of international building code.

Codes and Standards | Oct 12, 2016

Making concrete greener

The high energy-consuming material can be made more sustainably.

Codes and Standards | Oct 11, 2016

Historic preservation moving beyond saving grand old buildings

National Trust for Historic Preservation CEO says the focus is on saving cities, not just buildings

Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2016

Los Angeles voters will decide whether high-density developments should be harder to build

A March vote on the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative would put 2-year ban on zoning changes

Codes and Standards | Oct 10, 2016

New sustainable landscape development and management credential launched

GBCI offered the first testing opportunity Oct. 3 at Greenbuild

Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2016

Obama administration will spend $80 million for smart cities initiatives

The technology is targeted for climate, transportation, resiliency.

Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2016

New York City files criminal charges on owner for deadly building façade accident

The owner allegedly did not heed warning about danger of the crumbling exterior.

Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2016

New York becomes the first city to adopt a target for energy storage

Mayor de Blasio also announces increased solar generation goals

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


Reconstruction & Renovation

Movement to protect historic buildings raises sharp criticism

While the movement to preserve historic buildings has widespread support, it also has some sharp critics with well-funded opposition groups springing up in recent years. Some opponents are linked to the Stand Together Foundation, founded and bankrolled by the Koch family’s conservative philanthropic organization, according to a column in Governing magazine.



halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021