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

Contractors | Apr 29, 2016

OSHA issues advisory to protect workers from Zika virus

Construction industry workers considered at high risk.  

Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2016

New research finds 30 measures to significantly cut energy use

ASHRAE’s prescription cuts across all building types and climates.  

Codes and Standards | Apr 27, 2016

Florida gives developers more time to install first responder radio signal systems

Expensive upgrades can be postponed for several years.  

Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2016

San Francisco becomes first big U.S. city to require solar panels on new buildings

Pertains to commercial and residential buildings shorter than 10 stories.  

Codes and Standards | Apr 25, 2016

GSA adopts SITES land development and management rating system

Federal agency will use for properties with and without buildings.  

Wood | Apr 22, 2016

Revised 2015 Manual for Engineered Wood Construction available

American Wood Council Document offers design information for structural applications.

Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2016

Efficiency finance pilot project to spur retrofits on existing buildings

EDF and PG&E team up on interest-free loans for qualified projects.  

Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2016

ASHRAE releases proposed energy standard for historic buildings

Designed to balance with preservation requirements.  

Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2016

Canadian city fines itself for failing to get a building permit for building renovation

Guelph, Ontario, will pay a $1,125 fine to the province.

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