What is LEV Testing?

12/11/2021


LEV testing is a method used in determining the presence of airborne contaminants in a home or building. The acronym, "LEV" stands for "limited air release." This refers to a ventilator system that only allows a limited amount of air to be released into a building. Exposures that exceed the EPA safe level will be tested for and may be required to make modifications to the ventilator.

A portion of the EPA's Toxic Substances Control Program requires owners of multi-family dwellings and certain business establishments to perform leaching inspections. The LEV testing can provide an accurate assessment of indoor air quality and identify sources of airborne contaminants. The process is very effective in identifying hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), but is not able to detect other chemical residues such as VOCs or volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The use of a VOC meter is a good indication that leaching or inhalation of VOCs has occurred.

There are many different types of workplaces, including office buildings, commercial facilities, institutional care facilities, manufacturing plants, schools, nursing homes, and others. In a large workplace, exposure to contaminated air is a serious concern. Some studies indicate that long-term exposure to polluted workplace air may have adverse health effects. The EPA recommends performing annual leaching inspections, along with obtaining a current report from your local exhaust ventilation system contractor. Performing this inspection annually will help identify problems that exist now and will help reduce risks for employees, maintenance workers, and visitors to your workplace.

Leaching is often considered one of the more difficult tests for an on-site ventilation test because it requires access to the area being tested and the use of specific equipment for testing. A thorough and complete survey of an office space's exhaust system is likely to include ventilation and dehumidifier sampling as well as a sample of flooring, walls, furnishings, and other areas exposed to indoor air. Many office buildings and facilities also include a wet room for employees who have no access to standard VOC testing equipment. Wet rooms can be very useful in determining whether or not you have leaks or cracks in your ventilation system and may be the best solution when you have determined that your on-site ventilation system is inadequate.

Some large employers include a provision in their hiring policies requiring an employee to undergo LEV testing upon hire. If you feel your workplace is lacking in an area that would make it a good candidate for LEV testing, contact your employer and ask about the additional benefit. Some employers offer the service for an additional fee. You should contact a professional exhaust ventilation contractor to learn more about adding a levy system to your workplace.

Employers and facilities can help you decide whether or not LEV testing is the right option for your facility. If you are considering installing a new system, it is important that your operator's manual include a provision allowing a mandatory LEV test upon hire. An employer may add this requirement in the employment agreement or employee handbook, or they may allow it as part of a promotion or bonus program for high performers. Make sure to find out how your LEV testing will affect the transferability of bonuses. You may want to discuss this with your supervisor or human resources personnel. You can find out more about this topic here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive_ventilation.

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