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.
VOC/SVOC-Emissions from materials for flooring installation (primer, screed, adhesive, floor covering) were measured by means of emission test chambers and cells over a time period of at least 28 days at 23 C, 50 % relative humidity and an area specific air flow rate of q = 1.25 m³/m²h. Single components were tested in comparison to three complete structures (same concrete, primer, screed, adhesive) with different types of floor covering (PVC, carpet, linoleum). Sorption into concrete/screed and different sealing by the flooring materials affected the emissions from the complete structures. The complete structures with linoleum and PVC showed the same emissions and emission rates as the flooring materials alone. Emissions from the carpet-covered structure resulted mainly from the lower layers. For two adhesives the formation of secondary emissions (aldehydes and organic acids) was observed starting after the standard testing time of 28 days.