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Implications of indoor air background concentrations on health risks in buildings

Haley & Aldrich Technical Expert Jay Peters recently presented an analysis of health risks associated with exposures to background concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the indoor air of residential homes, offices, and schools. Jay’s session, at the AIHce conference in Philadelphia in May 2018, showed that similar VOCs are commonly identified in the indoor air of such building types as a consequence of background (anthropogenic) sources. However, VOC concentrations in residences are often above both commonly used risk-based screening levels and the risk thresholds used by many states. In contrast, background indoor air VOC concentrations in offices and schools are typically below both risk-based screening levels and commonly applied risk thresholds. Our findings have several regulatory and public health implications, especially when evaluating risk management decisions for sites with vapor intrusion concerns.

Download Jay’s slides here  or by clicking the button below. You can also view Haley & Aldrich’s other AIHce presentations, At facilities with subsurface contamination, what other chemicals may your workers be breathing? by Matt Raithel and What’s that smell? Expanding the boundaries of the industrial hygienist by Tina Berceli-Boyle.

For more information, please contact:
Jay Peters
Rich Rago
Gina Plantz