Overview
ISO 16000-32:2014 - "Indoor air - Part 32: Investigation of buildings for the occurrence of pollutants" defines requirements for investigating buildings and technical installations to detect pollutants. It establishes the framework for preliminary investigations that support subsequent sampling and analytical determination of pollutant types and concentrations (handled in other parts of the ISO 16000 indoor air series). The standard is intended to guide pollution investigation concepts, site visits, sampling plans and the investigation report used in indoor air quality (IAQ) assessments, due diligence and remediation planning.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and purpose: Specifies requirements for investigating buildings and structures for the occurrence of pollutants as a basis for sampling and analysis. Treatment or disposal of contaminated materials is not covered.
- Terms and definitions: Clarifies key concepts such as construction product, structural element, pollutant, VOC (volatile organic compound) and SVOC.
- Types and causes of pollutants: Lists potential sources - primary (asbestos, PCBs, heavy metals, VOCs, PAHs, biocides), secondary emissions from material interactions, transfer between elements, geogenic sources (e.g., radon), biological hazards (mould, MVOCs), and transient user-related emissions.
- Investigation methodology: Requires a documented pollution investigation concept before fieldwork. Investigations are carried out by multi‑disciplinary specialists with expertise in building science, materials, pollutants, legal/regulatory frameworks and health protection.
- Phased approach: Recommends systematic phases - research, complaint evaluation, site visit, sampling plan design, sampling & analysis, and evaluation/assessment (phases may be adapted to case needs).
- Documentation: Mandates an investigation report and records. Annexes provide example investigations, VOC source tables, sampling-plan templates and sampling records.
Practical applications and users
- Used for: preliminary building surveys, due diligence (purchase/sale), complaint investigations, preparation for remediation, renovation/demolition planning, and facility management.
- Typical users: environmental consultants, building inspectors, industrial hygienists, facility and asset managers, remediation contractors, public health authorities and regulatory bodies focused on indoor air quality and pollutant risk assessment.
- Benefits: provides a consistent, documented approach to identify suspect areas, prioritize sampling, and inform remediation or further analytical work.
Related standards
- ISO 16000 series (relevant parts): ISO 16000-1 (sampling strategy), ISO 16000-5 (VOCs sampling strategy), ISO 16000-6 (VOC analysis), ISO 16000-12/13 (PCBs/PAHs sampling and analysis), and other parts covering mould, emissions testing and specific analytes. Legal and national regulations must also be taken into account.
Keywords: ISO 16000-32, indoor air, pollution investigation, building pollutants, sampling plan, VOC, PCBs, asbestos, indoor air quality, remediation, investigation report.