A Toxic Gas Testing Sampling Plan for Residential Indoor Air Investigations

GAS EXPOSURE SCREENING TEST - Indoor air quality testing for toxic gases - level of toxicity of gases

Indoor Residential Toxic Gas Test Selection - Some Suggested Tests
Indoor Air Investigation Tests for substances in gas form
Associated Particulate Testing for Indoor Airborne Particle Levels & Particle Identification
How to test for toxic gases indoors and what levels of each gas are acceptable

GAS DETECTION INSTRUMENTS - separate article
Questions & Answers about how to test for indoor gas contaminants
References

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Toxic Gas Detection & Testing in buildings: this document outlines gas toxicity levels and gas testing procedures we use in field IAQ and environmental health investigations for a range of indoor gases which may be produced by building product outgassing, gas appliance leaks, plumbing and septic systems, mold and mold related volatile organic compounds MVOCs which people report as a "moldy smell", mechanical systems such as heating system-produced carbon monoxide or flue gases, fire damage, or contamination from nearby industrial, beauty parlor, dry cleaning, or other activities which often produce noxious or toxic odors and gases.

I.a. Indoor Residential Toxic Gas Test Selection - Some Suggested Tests

At TOXIC GAS EXPOSURE EFFECTS we discuss the exposure effects for various toxic gases. At Volatile Organic Compounds VOCs we discuss several chemicals and gases found indoors and offer advice for reducing indoor exposure. Readers of this document should also see HEAT EXCHANGER LEAK TEST.

Depending on the building history and occupant complaints, and with advice from industry experts, for screening purposes I select one or more gas detection tubes [1] prepared by Sensidyne™ or Drager™ or one or more multiple simultaneous gas detection sets which have been prepared by Draeger Safety specifically for fire scenes. [2]

Gas detector tubes, used with a special calibrated Sensidyn™ or Drager™ pump [3] provide specific, accurate tests for the presence of target substances at the moment of testing. A list of gas tests and test sets which I have frequently used in field investigations is listed below.

Other tests for specific substances: over 200 tests for over 500 different gases are available by using specific detector tubes. I can provide these when there is risk of a specific substance in a building. Unless there is a reason given for a narrow specific gas test in a building such tests are not economical and are simply "shooting in the dark."

We also select among several methods for particle collection from appropriate complaint and non-complaint areas, including air sampling, surface tape lifts, surface, carpet, or furniture vacuum.

Where bacteriological risks are considered, such as where there has been a history of sewage leaks, the inspector/test consultant may include floor surface sterile swabs from the complaint area and control non-complaint areas. Sample specifics and test results along with related remediation advice are detailed in our Field Investigation and Lab Test Report.

Odor Source Identification & Evaluation

Odor source detection procedures are also available at this website but they are not discussed in this article. Odor detection and removal are described in detail in our separate odor diagnosis document at How to Find & Remove Odors, Gases & smells in buildings

I.b. Indoor Air Investigation Tests for substances in gas form

Draeger Simultaneous Test Sets I, II, and III:

Building contents and the presence of hazardous substances are unknown at the start of fighting a fire. Studies have shown more than 450 substances are produced by a fire and possibly in other circumstances. Not all of these potentially toxic gases are present at every fire, but 11 inorganic gases are preset at most fires.

Ten of these gases and substances produced by burning common materials found in buildings are addressed by the Draeger Simultaneous Test Sets I and II. [5]

Set III screens for organic gases. The Draeger Simultaneous Test Sets screen for these specific substances in the immediate vicinity. These sets also record a broader spectrum of substances, and the reaction systems used are deliberately non-specific in order to screen for likely and most-dangerous substances. The individual sampling tubes are marked to indicate the presence of the test substances at 1x and 5x the threshold limit value (TLV) [for maximum short term exposure in industry; there is not a similar residential standard].

a. Drager Simultaneous Test Set I

i. Acid gases

ii. Hydrocyanic acid

iii. Carbon monoxide - see HEAT EXCHANGER LEAK TEST - separate article

iv. Alkaline gases

v. Nitrous fumes

b. Drager Simultaneous Test Set II

i. Sulphur dioxide

ii. Chlorine

iii. Hydrogen sulphide

iv. Carbon dioxide

v. Phosgene

c. Drager Simultaneous Test Set III

i. Keytones

ii. Aromatic hydrocarbons. Calibrated for toluene; benzene and xylene are indicated with similar sensitivity. The TLV⁴ for benzene is much lower than xylene but the acute risk involved in the two substances is alike. They share the same IDLH (2000 ppm).

iii. Alcohols. Such as methanol.

iv. Aliphatic hydrocarbons. E.g. n-hexane (extremely low TLV(TWA)=50ppm); the TLV for most of the other aliphates is assessed to 300 ppm. The acute risk involved in hexane, heptane, and octane is almost identical; all substances are assessed to similar IDLH values.

v. Chlorinated hydrocarbons. Imprinted tube values pertain to perchloroethylene. A general prediction can be made with respect to the sensitivity of other compounds with certain reservations. (Gasoline vapors will shorten the reading as long as their concentration is more than 100 ppm).

Benzene Gas Characteristics, Toxicity, Simple Gas Exposure Measurements

Benzene [7] 0.5/a tests in the indoor environment

If there is a particular concern for Benzene we perform a test for this substance. We select a sampling tube which is not Benzene specific in order to also screen for other aromatic hydrocarbons including toluene, xylene (more likely to be in carpet out gassing than benzene) and ethel benzene. Sensitivity 0.4 to 10 ppm (40 to 2 strokes). +/30%.

More information about gas hazards, gas toxicity, or other environmental hazards is available from public and professional agencies and associations such as the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) www.aiha.org, OSHA www.osha.gov, and the Mine Safety & Health Administration www.msha.gov. Also see Industrial Hygiene News.

Carbon Dioxide Gas Toxicity, Simple Gas Exposure Measurements

Carbon dioxide 100/a

We have this test available for field use as a general indicator of the level of fresh air and air exchange in a building, but not if the building is unoccupied or aggressively ventilated at the time of the inspection. If used, we perform this test using the Gastec pump and tubes produced by Sensidyne. We do not perform this test separately if we are using the Draeger Simultaneous Test set as it is already included in that set. Sensitivity 100 " 3000 ppm. 0.01 " 0.3 Vol.-%.

Details about carbon dioxide gas toxicity or CO2 exposure hazards are provided in a separate article at Toxicity of Carbon Dioxide Gas Exposure, CO2 Poisoning Symptoms, Carbon Dioxide Exposure Limits, and Links to Toxic Gas Testing Procedures

Carbon Monoxide Gas Toxicity, Simple Gas Exposure Measurements

Carbon monoxide 2/a:

We may use this test as a safety screen in buildings where there is other evidence of a questionable gas-fired heater. If used, we perform this test using the Gastec pump and tubes produced by Sensidyne. We do not perform this test separately if we are using the Draeger Simultaneous Test set as it is already included in that set. Sensitivity 2-60 ppm. Alternate: Sensidyne™ Gastec™ 1/La 8-1000 ppm or 25-500 ppm.

See HEAT EXCHANGER LEAK TEST - separate article.

Readers should also review our more detailed review of CO hazards at Toxicity of Carbon Monoxide Gas Exposure, Carbon Monoxide CO Poisoning Symptoms, Carbon Monoxide Exposure Limits, and Links to Toxic Gas Testing Procedures

Formaldehyde Gas Characteristics, Toxicity, Simple Gas Exposure Measurements

Formaldehyde 0.2/a:

Because this gas is produced at virtually all house fires and because it is a well-known respiratory and eye irritant produced by many building materials even without combustion effects, if there are owner/occupant complaints, this test may be performed using the Gastec pump and tubes produced by Sensidyne or by the Draeger accuro pump and their tubes. Sensitivity 0.2 to 2.5 / 0.5 to 5 ppm at 10 / 20 strokes. Alternative: Sensidyne ™ Gastec™ 91/L 0.1-40.0 ppm

Formic acid Gas Characteristics, Toxicity, Simple Gas Exposure Measurements

Formic acid1/a:

Because this gas screen addresses acid gases which can be expected to be produced by fire, heat, or oxidation (such as from ozone treatment) in commercial and residential properties it is an important screen for this topic. Sensitivity 1 to 15 ppm, 20 strokes.

Ozone Gas Characteristics, Toxicity, Simple Gas Exposure Measurements

Ozone:

At high or low levels (various test sensitivities are available) produced by popular indoor air "purifiers" and by commercial treatments for odors is a highly-reactive oxidizing gas which is dangerous to lung tissue itself. This gas may react with other building materials (as an oxidant) to produce secondary outgassing products which are also irritants or potentially unsafe. Ozone is highly reactive and volatile and may not be present in a building long after it was applied.

Choice of use or omit this screen depends on the circumstances of the particular investigation. As a regular practice I include this screen where ozone generating equipment is in use or where commercial equipment has been very recently in use. Sensidyne™ #182SB 2.5-100 ppm / #182U 0.025 " 3.0 ppm.™

See Ozone Warnings at http://InspectAPedia.com/sickhouse/OzoneWarnings.htm

Details about Ozone Gas hazards and the use of ozone generators or using ozone as a mold remedy are provided in depth at the following articles:

The Use of Ozone Generators Indoors for Control of Odors and Mold Removal in buildings: A Summary of Hazards and False Claims
The Hazards of Ozone & Ozone Gas Generators Ozone Gas Exposure Hazards - A Summary of Ozone Hazards Indoors
How, When, and Why to Test for Ozone in buildings
Ozone Toxicity & Ozone Gas Exposure Hazards

Toluene Gas Characteristics, Toxicity, Simple Gas Exposure Measurements

Toluene 5/b:

Because this is one of the most sensitive gas screens available to address gases which can be expected to be produced by fire, heat, or oxidation (such as from ozone treatment) in commercial and residential properties it is an important screen for this application.

Toluol is a common contaminant produced by oxidized or burning carpets. Sensitivity 5-300 ppm.

II.c. Associated Particulate Testing for Indoor Airborne Particle Levels & Particle Identification

These tests are not normally part of indoor gas testing but may be added on request or based on site conditions.

Non-regulated particulates,

Non-regulated particles such as soot from fires, can include ultra-fine particles which can be breathed deeply into the gas-exchange area of the lung. We use both settled surface dust collection (adhesive tape) and surface or crevice-dust collection (particle collection by vacuum using Zefon-type "Air-o-cel(R)" or MCE-filter cassettes to obtain material for microscopic examination.

Quantitative testing using other methods that permit calculating of particle exposure by weight are available but we do not employ them [it is outside our area of expertise]. If such particles were collected and examined they are shown in the Lab Report.

Tests for Common indoor allergens & particles such as mold, pollen, cat or dog dander, fiberglass insulation fragments

Allergens and respiratory irritant particles such as animal dander, insect fragments, mite fecals, pollen, and mold spores may be sampled by a variety of means: slit-impaction air samplers, vacuum samples, surface tape, bulk, swab, and culture.

The specifics of what particle collection methods used, how and where particles were collected, the relationship of the collection areas to building occupants, complaints, or other important risk factors, and the building conditions that can dramatically affect the apparent particle level (such as turning on or off a fan during air sampling) should appear in the field investigation report and Lab Report.

See Validity of Common Indoor Mold Sampling Techniques and MOLD DETECTION & INSPECTION for examples of particle collection procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about toxic gas sampling or testing plans for buildings

Question: report on inadequate indoor gas testing, deaths, illnesse, worries about competent gas testing

My wife and I were exposed to carbon monoxide (and I'm assuming other combustible gases) for well over a year without knowing. We lived on a ground floor of an apartment and holes were drilled through the floor for plumbing and elec. but were never covered. They insurance company had Pinchin Engineering do a test on the place. and we were shown a basic 1 page sheet of CO and CO2 levels both in and around the house.

The readings from our detector that we finally bought a year later were at times almost 300. there readings were 20.

however the CO2 levels were 859.

Does this mean that combustion was happening because of both the readings and if so wouldn't tests be done for other combustible gases that may be present?

We lost a baby, dog died 2 years later, heart and kidney failure. wife has heart and joint issues. and I have a list as well. They settled out of court for $300Gs but I feel like we didn't receive ALL the disclosure from the air quality test. - Matt 11/30/11

Reply:

Matt,

Of course we are so sorry about the tragic losses you described, and I understand the tragedy of losing a child. When we suffer a tragic loss it is so difficult to endure that the look for a cause and blame is understandable, though sometimes we can be led astray in such a search.

In attempting to relate an illness or fatality to a building or environmental condition, a good place to start is with the physicians involved - ask about possible relationships between the illness or death and environmental factors.

About varying gas levels in buildings, our field experience confirms that small changes in a building (a window open or shut, or a door, or a bird building a nest in a chimney, or seasonal sooting in an oil fired appliance) and similar events can make an enormous difference in the measured result of indoor gases, airborne mold, other contaminants. For that reason, it is no surprise that a year later an individual measurement of gases indoors might find a very different level.

Only if the source of an indoor hazard can be clearly traced to a condition that was present, recogniziable by general home inspection standards and procedures, and visible at the time of the original inspection would one suspect the original inspector or test company of negligence.

For CO₂ (carbon dioxide) typical indoor levels see TYPICAL CO₂ LEVELS.
For CO (carbon monoxide) information see CARBON MONOXIDE - CO
For examples of the sorts of conditions that an inspector should be able to observe and report see CARBON MONOXIDE INSPECTION
Lastly, when considering a report from any building investigator, make certain that s/he is financially and ethicallyi completely independent from the person or company recommending or arranging for that service or inspection. Conflicts of interest in such matters are intolerable and even dangerous. And of course, provding more than one version of any building investigation report, say different versions to different parties, smells bad to me too.

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Technical Reviewers & References

Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.

Mark Cramer Inspection Services Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, Mr. Cramer is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors and is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator. Mr. Cramer serves on the ASHI Home Inspection Standards. Contact Mark Cramer at: 727-595-4211 mark@BestTampaInspector.com
John Cranor is an ASHI member and a home inspector (The House Whisperer) is located in Glen Allen, VA 23060. He is also a contributor to InspectApedia.com in several technical areas such as plumbing and appliances (dryer vents). Contact Mr. Cranor at 804-747-7747 or by Email: johncranor@verizon.net
Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 info@carsondunlop.com. The firm provides professional home inspection services & home inspection education & publications. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors. Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The Home Reference Book & illustrations from The Illustrated Home. Carson Dunlop Associates' provides:
- Commercial Building Inspection Courses - protocol ASTM Standard E 2018-08 for Property Condition Assessments
- Home Inspection Education Courses including home study & live classes at eleven colleges & universities.
- Home Inspection Education Home Study Courses - ASHI@Home Training 10-course program.
  Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. a 5% discount on these courses: Enter INSPECTAHITP in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
- The Home Reference Book, a reference & inspection report product for building owners & inspectors.
  Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
- The Home Reference eBook, an electronic version for PCs, the iPad, iPhone, & Android smart phones.
  Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter inspectaehrb in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
- The Illustrated Home illustrates construction details and building components, a reference for owners & inspectors.
  Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Illustrated Home purchased as a single order Enter INSPECTAILL in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
- The Horizon Software System manages business operations,scheduling, & inspection report writing using Carson Dunlop's knowledge base & color images. The Horizon system runs on always-available cloud-based software for office computers, laptops, tablets, iPad, Android, & other smartphones.
Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, have provided us with (and we recommend) Carson Dunlop Weldon & Associates' Technical Reference Guide to manufacturer's model and serial number information for heating and cooling equipment
Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Technical Reference Guide purchased as a single order. Just enter INSPECTATRG in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
Daniel Friedman - principal author/editor of the InspectAPedia^® Website. Daniel Friedman is a consulting professional member of the American Industrial Hygiene Association - AIHA. His credentials and experience can be viewed at InspectAPedia.com/danbio.htm
A Toxic Gas Testing Plan: A Gas Sampling Plan for Residential and Commercial buildings lists some of the toxic indoor gases for which we test, depending on the building complaint and building conditions
Gas Exposure Hazard Levels: for Toxic Gas Exposure to Ammonia, Arsine, Arsenic, Bromine, Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Hydride, Ozone - allowable exposure levels and hazard levels
Carbon Dioxide Gas Toxicity hazard levels & testing
Carbon Monoxide Gas Toxicity hazard levels & testing
Formaldehyde: US EPA. UFFI (Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation) was previously considered a hazard (formaldehyde outgassing). Subsequent research virtually closed concern regarding this material; however formaldehyde appears to remain a health concern for sensitive individuals.
Ozone Warnings - Use of Ozone as a "mold" remedy is ineffective and may be dangerous.
Sampling for gases in air such as VOC's, MVOC's, toxic chemicals, and combustion products.
Unfortunately no single test or tool can detect all possible building contaminants. We use methods and equipment which can test for common contaminants. If the identity of a specific contaminant is known in advance we can also test for a very large number of specific contaminant gases in buildings. We use gas sampling equipment provided by the two most reliable companies in the world, Draeger-Safety's detector-tubes and Drager accuro™ bellows pump, the Gastec™ cylinder pump and detector-tube system produced by Gastec or Sensidyne, and we also use Sensidyne's Gilian air pump. For broad screening for combustibles and a number of other toxic gases and for leak tracing we also use Amprobe's Tif8850. All of these instruments, their applications, and sensitivities (minimum detectable limits) for specific gases are described in our Gas Sampling Plan online document.
Radon Gas U.S. EPA Radon level maps

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.

The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.

Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.

Building inspection education & report writing systems from Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd

Environmental Health & Investigation Bibliography - our technical library on indoor air quality inspection, testing, laboratory procedures, forensic microscopy, etc.
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