Sec. 4. Guidelines for indoor contaminants of concern
551 words·~3 min read·
/bill/118/hr/9131/ih/section-4A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Administrator shall establish and maintain a list of indoor contaminants of concern. The list under paragraph
(1)may— include combinations or mixtures of contaminants; and refer to such combinations or mixtures by a common name. Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish the initial list under paragraph (1). At a minimum, the initial list established under subsection
(a)shall include— particulate matter; carbon monoxide; nitrogen dioxide; ozone; formaldehyde; and radon. The Administrator shall publish science-based, voluntary guidelines for each indoor contaminant of concern listed under subsection (a). A guideline published under this subsection shall— include information and a range of recommendations for operation and maintenance of existing buildings, the design and construction of new buildings, building renovation, and such other activities as are necessary to identify, and reduce or prevent exposure to, the indoor contaminant of concern listed under subsection (a); be designed to achieve significant risk reduction; be technologically achievable and readily implementable; take into consideration safety, energy, and other relevant factors; include an assessment of effectiveness and cost; and be based on available research and expertise. Each guideline published under this subsection shall, upon the Administrator making a determination that sufficient scientific evidence exists, include a recommended health-based limit on concentration levels of indoor contaminants of concern. A limit under subparagraph (A)— shall be based on the best available science; and may include a range that includes— a concentration level at which a healthy adult should take action to reduce exposure; and a concentration level at which there is evidence of adverse human health effects in susceptible subpopulations, such as infants, children, pregnant women, workers, and the elderly. If the Administrator determines insufficient evidence exists to set a health-based concentration limit for an indoor contaminant of concern listed under subsection (a), the Administrator shall publish a report not later than 1 year after making such determination, which shall identify— studies and other activities to be taken to develop the evidence necessary to set a health-based concentration limit; and resources necessary to carry out activities under clause (i). While the Administrator develops sufficient scientific evidence to set a recommended health-based concentration limit for an indoor contaminant of concern under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall publish interim guidelines, which shall include best practices to reduce exposure to such indoor contaminant of concern. Not less than every five years, the Administrator shall review and, as necessary, revise— the list of indoor contaminants of concern under subsection (a); and the guidelines published under subsection (c). In developing, reviewing, and revising the guidelines published under subsection (c), the Administrator shall consult with organizations and individuals having demonstrated expertise in indoor air quality, public health, and building systems. The Administrator shall, after consultation with the Secretary of Labor, ensure that the guidelines published under subsection
(c)are consistent with any Federal workplace regulations addressing indoor air quality risks. Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the guidelines published under subsection
(c)may recommend additional voluntary actions to protect persons other than workers covered by such guidelines from indoor contaminants of concern listed under subsection (a). The Administrator shall, after consultation with the Secretary of Energy, ensure that the guidelines published under subsection
(c)are consistent with applicable energy conservation and efficiency statutes and regulations administered by the Secretary.