In the first update since placing its indoor air quality standard on continuous maintenance, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE, Atlanta) has published ASHRAE Standard 62-1999, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality.

The new standard contains the entire 1989 version, which remains unchanged, along with four new addenda. It also ensures that purchasers receive future updates through ASHRAE's continuous maintenance procedures. Those purchasing the new standard will receive all new-published addenda free for one year, after which they may order from a subscription service offered by ASHRAE.

One addendum contained in Standard 62-1999 deletes a footnote that mentioned that the standard accommodated a "moderate amount of smoking." The footnote was dropped after warnings from health officials about the dangers of secondhand tobacco smoke.

The other addenda in the standard:

  • Remove references to thermal comfort, which is addressed by ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55-1992.
  • Reword the standard's scope to say compliance with the standards does not ensure acceptable indoor air quality.
  • Clarify confusion regarding how carbon dioxide levels can be used to determine the concentration of human bioeffluents.

The committee revising the standard through the continuous maintenance procedure is considering 11 other addenda currently proposed for inclusion in Standard 62-1999.

The cost of ASHRAE Standard 62-1999 is $58. To order, or for more information about the subscription services, call 800-5-ASHRAE, send e-mail to orders@ashrae.org, or visit www.ashrae.org.