This standard applies to all indoor or enclosed spaces that people may occupy, except where other applicable standards and requirements dictate larger amounts of ventilation than this standard. Release of moisture in residential kitchens and bathrooms, locker rooms, and swimming pools is included in the scope of this standard.

This standard considers chemical, physical, and biological contaminants that can affect air quality. Thermal comfort requirements are not included in this standard.

Acceptable indoor air quality may not be achieved in all buildings meeting the requirements of this standard for one or more of the following reasons:

(a) because of the diversity of sources and contaminants in indoor air;

(b) because of the many other factors that may affect occupant perception and acceptance of indoor air quality, such as air temperature, humidity, noise, lighting, and psychological stress; and

(c) because of the range of susceptibility in the population.