Since semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), including biocides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), occur indoors as well as outdoors, air sampling adsorbents and measuring methods for all these compounds are indispensable. This paper presents the initial steps in the development of such a method, the aim of which is the analysis of selected compounds in the above-mentioned classes using low air sampling volumes and air-exchange rates close to zero, as is common in museum showcases. For measurements under easily controlled conditions, a micro-chamber system was used at different temperatures. A surface modified styrene divinylbenzene (SDVB) polymer was selected as the air sampling adsorbent for the elution experiments. After successfully performing pretests using the micro-chamber system with target compound solutions, the emissions of these compounds from self-soaked wood samples and con-taminated wood samples were investigated for method development.
The European biocides directive (98/8/EG) demand the control of emissions into the envi-ronment like soil, water and air. In this study a method for measuring the input of biocides into the indoor air from materials should be developed. The emission of two products containing biocides (plastic foil, wool carpet) and six different types of biocide containing formulations applied on wood or ceramic tiles were investigated in 20 or 23 l glass emission chambers. Each chamber test was performed over a period of 100 up to 200 days. SVOC show totally different emission curves in chamber tests compared to volatile organic com-pounds (VOC). They reach their maximum value after some days or weeks. Thus a period of 3 months is sometimes necessary for exact measurements. Area specific emission rates (SERa in µg/m²h) for permethrin (0.006), propiconazole (0.2), dichlofluanid (1.5), tolylfluanid (1.2), octylisothiazolinone (2.5) and for iodpropinylbutyl-carbamat (1.7) were determined.
Do particleboards produced with recycled wood contribute to indoor air pollution with biocides?
(2003)
Methods for the determination of biocide emissions from treated materials into water and air were developed and tested in order to support a comparative ecological assessment of biocidal products. Leaching tests, experiments with simulated rain, extraction cleaning of carpets and emission chamber tests were performed with a series of treated materials. The experiments focused on the effect of changes in the procedure as well as characteristics of the specimens and demonstrate the suitability of the proposed methods for biocides of different product types.
It was demonstrated that emissions of biocides into water can be compared on the basis of leaching tests in which the emission kinetics of the active ingredients are recorded. However, the water volume per surface area and the timetable for water changes have to be defined in such tests. Functions of flux rates related to time can be well described for inorganic compounds, whereas modelling of the data is more complicated for organic substances.
Emission chamber tests using 20-litre and 23-litre glass exsiccators, originally developed to study volatile organic compounds, were successfully adapted for the investigation of the emission of biocides from treated materials which are usually semi volatile organic compounds. However, test parameters and the method of analysis have to be adapted to the substances to be determined.
Generally, it was found that the emission curves for the semi volatile organic compounds investigated differ from those of volatile organic compounds.
In this study 50 construction products were tested in emission test chambers according to the requirements of the AgBB-scheme: 7 acrylic and 6 silicone sealants, 6 paste-like synthetic resin plasters, 13 wood based products, 4 adhesives, 5 lacquers, 6 wall paints and 3 further construction products. VOC and odour emissions were tested on the 1st, 3rd, 10th, and 28th day. In addition to the VOC-measurements, a test procedure was developed to evaluate odour emission of construction products.This test is planned to be implemented into the AgBB-Scheme. A direct evaluation by a sensory panel in the emission test chamber was not possible. So the odour samples were collected in 300- litre tedlar bags which were evaluated later. Odour intensity of the samples was compared with different acetone concentrations. Within this study an interlaboratory comparison was conducted using the newly developed odour test method. Additionally, VVOC emissions, detection of carcinogenic compounds, repeatability of emission test chamber tests, and other issues are presented. This project has shown that construction products can be evaluated in accordance with the AgBB scheme. A sensory evaluation is intended to be introduced in the AgBB scheme. A method for this evaluation is described in this study. The test procedure should be enhanced and validated for practical utilisation.
The aim of this study was the development of a low volume air sampling strategy for biocides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) at low air change rates in modern, air-tight showcases as they are present in museums. Lindane, pentachlorophenol, dichlofluanid, tolyfluanid, isodrin, p,p-dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane and permethrin were the biocides and PCB 28 and PCB 153 were the PCBs studied, all of which are semi volatile organic compounds (SVOC). Their occurrences in the museum environment originate from various sources e.g. preventive treatment of organic exhibits or organic building materials. Exhibits are long-term exposed to these pollutants due to storing in showcases or other storage equipment at low air change rates. To achieve air sampling under the aforementioned conditions the influences of temperature, air circulation, air change rate and relative humidity on the emission behavior of the selected biocides and PCBs had to be determined. This was carried out with pre-soaked wood samples in low volume air sampling experiments using 27 L test showcases and 23 L and 24 L emission test chambers and also diffusive sampling with glass as the sampling material.