What is ISO 16000?
ISO 16000 is a series of international standards for measuring indoor air. Its parts cover sampling strategy, measurement methods for specific pollutants such as formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds, and emissions testing of building products, giving reference methods for laboratory and field air quality work.
What it is
ISO 16000 has many parts. Some define general sampling strategy for indoor air, including when and where to sample. Others define methods for specific pollutants, such as active sampling of VOCs on sorbent tubes followed by laboratory analysis, or methods for formaldehyde. Further parts cover testing emissions from building products and furnishings.
These are reference methods. They are precise but involve sampling and laboratory analysis, so they give snapshots rather than continuous data. Continuous sensors are used for day-to-day monitoring, and reference methods are used for verification, investigations and product testing.
Who it applies to / where it is used
ISO 16000 is used by indoor air testing laboratories, building product manufacturers, consultants and certification programs. Standards and rating systems often reference its methods for performance testing.
How it is measured / what evidence it needs
Reference measurements depend on documented sampling and analysis, while continuous monitoring depends on sensor quality and calibration.
- Sampling plan and conditions
- Laboratory analysis records for reference methods
- Continuous sensor data for trends between tests
- Sensor calibration and comparison with reference results
How Aqueduct helps
Aqueduct supplies the continuous layer between reference tests, using the methods behind VOC and PM monitoring as the benchmark.
- Continuous VOC and particulate trends through aQ AirSafe
- Event detection that shows when and where to take a reference sample
- Records of sensor data alongside laboratory results
- Ventilation response where control is enabled, with owner approval