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What U.S. standards or guidelines apply to ambient particulate levels in buildings?

April 26, 2017Ambient buildings guidelines levels Particulate Standards

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What U.S. standards or guidelines apply to ambient particulate levels in buildings?

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ASHRAE 62-1989 states: “Indoor air quality shall be considered acceptable if the required rates of acceptable outdoor air are provided for the occupied space.” ASHRAE 62-1989 references the national primary ambient-air quality standard for outdoor air as set by the U.S. EPA. Long term: 50 µg/m³ concentration average over 1 year (0.05 mg/m³) Short term: 150 µg/m³ concentration average over 24 hours (0.150 mg/m³) Although this standard was developed for outdoor air, current thinking by industry experts is that indoor air quality should be as good as that of the outdoor air. Exposure values for specific substances are published by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), and ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists).