scope:

This Standard describes the methods for determining the level of depressurization and solutions to mitigate risk arising from depressurization.

This Standard applies to detached, semi-detached, and row houses equipped with an exhaust device(s). It also applies to houses with secondary suites equipped with a separate exhaust device(s).

This Standard does not address indoor air quality issues such as

a) the presence of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from building materials or contents;

b) the presence of mould in houses; or

c) the presence of pollutants from other sources, such as stored chemical products.

This Standard does not address the impact of residential depressurization on radon infiltration and mitigation.

Note: Measured depressurization and the depressurization test methods contained within this Standard may be used for informational purposes to address such situations. Factors including but not limited to the existence and distribution of radon entry points, air leakage points in building envelop, and radon concentration in soil might affect the impact of residential depressurization on radon infiltration and indoor radon concentration.

The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.

In this Standard, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.