The emissions of selected flame retardants were measured in 1- and 0.02-m3 emission test chambers and 0.001-m3 emission test cells. Four product groups were of interest: insulating materials, assembly foam, upholstery/mattresses, and electronics equipment. The experiments were performed under constant environmental conditions (23°C, 50% RH) using a fixed sample surface area and controlled air flow rates. Tris (2-chloro-isopropyl)phosphate (TCPP) was observed to be one of the most commonly emitted organophosphate flame retardants in polyurethane foam applications. Depending on the sample type, area-specific emission rates (SERa) of TCPP varied between 20 ng m-2 h-1 and 140 ?g m-2 h-1.
The emissions from electronic devices were measured at 60°C to simulate operating conditions. Under these conditions, unit specific emission rates (SERu) of organophosphates were determined to be 1085 ng unit-1 h-1. Increasing the temperature increased the emission of several flame retardants by up to a factor of 500. The results presented in this paper indicate that emissions of several brominated and organophosphate flame retardants are measurable. Polybrominated diphenylethers exhibited an SERa of between 0.2 and 6.6 ng m-2 h-1 and an SERu of between 0.6 and 14.2 ng unit-1 h-1. Because of sink effects, i.e., sorption to chamber components, the emission test chambers and cells used in this study have limited utility for substances low vapour pressures, especially the highly brominated compounds; hexabromocyclododecane had an SERa of between 0.1 and 29 ng m-2 h-1 and decabromodiphenylether was not detectable at all.
Do particleboards produced with recycled wood contribute to indoor air pollution with biocides?
(2003)
The present study comprises the characterisation of museum show cases concerning their hazardous potential for
art objects. In order to estimate potential risks of damage the emission of volatile organic compounds coming from
several construction materials is monitored and different air exchange rates from exhibit cases are determined. For
the determination of the VOCs different methods were applied. The first step is a direct thermal extraction of the
materials followed by emission test chamber measurements. The tracer gas method with N2O that is used in this study is a convenient procedure to investigate air exchange rates under working conditions greater than 0.05 d-1. The results of this study confirm the importance of the careful choice concerning building materials for show cases. Furthermore the analyses clarify that certain organic compounds might be a problem for the exhibits in show cases with low air exchange rates.
Emissions from Materials
(2006)
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.
Biocides are used to protect materials that might be damaged by fungal, microbial or insect activity. The aim of this study is to develop a method for the measurement of these organic compounds, which generally have low or moderate vapor pressures. The biocides considered in this study are permethrin, dichlofluanid, tolylfluanid, iodpropinylbutylcarbamat, octylisothiazolinone, tebuconazole and propiconazole. The emission from two commercial products (plastic foil, wool carpet) containing biocides and of seven types of biocidal formulations applied to wood or clay tiles were investigated in 20-l glass emission test chambers. Each chamber test was performed over a period of 100200 days, and one investigation was conducted over several years. Compared to volatile organic compounds, low-volatility compounds show totally different emission curves in chamber tests; maximal emission values may be reached in days or weeks. A period of 3 months is sometimes necessary for the determination of area-specific emission rates (SERa's). The SERa's (?g m-2 h-1) from biocide-containing products were determined for permethrin (0.006), propiconazole (0.3), dichlofluanid (2.0), tolylfluanid (1.0), octylisothiazolinone (2.5) and iodpropinylbutylcarbamat (2). In most cases, the SERa stayed at its maximum value or declined slowly over the test period. Additionally, a chamber test begun in 1994 with a piece of wood treated with a typical mixture of biocides dissolved in a technical solvent was continued. SERa's (?g m-2 h-1) for dichlofluanid (0.20), tebuconazole (0.49) and permethrin (0.08) remained detectable after the period of nearly 9 years during which the sample remained continuously in the chamber. This test proved the very slow decrease of emission of low-volatility compounds like permethrin and tebuconazole.
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.
Im vorliegenden Bericht wurden 11 Fußbodenbelagskleber, eine Grundierung, eine Spachtelmasse, 14 Teppiche, 5 PVC-Bodenbeläge, drei Linoleum-Beläge, ein Kautschukbelag und ein Polyolefinbelag über einen Zeitraum von mindestens 28 Tagen mittels Prüfkammer- bzw. Prüfzellenmessung auf ihr Emissionsverhalten untersucht. Die Emissionsmessungen an den Einzelmaterialien Kleber und Bodenbelag sollten die möglichen Emissionen (Substanzen und Konzentrationen) und deren zeitlichen Verlauf ermitteln. Außerdem wurden die Emissionen aus 7 Materialkombinationen ermittelt. Dazu gerhörten drei Komplettaufbauten aus Estrich, Grundierung, Spachtelmasse und Kleber mit den Belägen Teppich, PVC und Linoleum sowie 4 Verbundsysteme. Dies waren: Verbundsystem Estrich/Grundierung/Spachtelmasse/Kleber, Verbundsystem Glasplatte/Kleber/Teppich, Verbundsystem Glasplatte/Kleber/PVC-Belag und das Verbundsystem Estrich/Kleber. Die Emissionen aus den Komplettbauten wueden durch Sorptionseffekte und durch die unterschiedliche Durchlässigkeit der Bodenbeläge beeinflusst. Dabei waren die Emissionen aus den Komplettaufbauten und Verbundsystemen jeweils geringer als die Summe der Emissionen der entsprechenden Einzelmaterialien. Ergänzende Untersuchungen wurden durchgeführt zur Vergleichbarkeit der Emissionsmessungen in unterschiedlichen Prüfkammern (Volumen 1 m3 und 0,02 m3) bzw. Messzellen(Volumen 1 l und 0,035 l [FLEC]). und bei 42 Klebern zur Anwendbarkeit der Direkt-Thermodesorption (dynamische Headspace-Methode) als Screening-Verfahren. Des weiteren wurden Versuche durchgeführt, um die Auswirkungen unterschiedlicher Probenherstellung (Trägermaterial, Auftragsmenge, Auftragsart) auf die Emissionen aus den Fußbodenklebern abschhätzen können. Die durchgeführten Untersuchungen stellen eine Grundlage zur Erarbeitung eines Umweltzeichens für Fußbodenkleber dar.
Comparison of different types of emission test chambers and cells regarding VOC- and SVOC-emission
(2005)
Emissionen aus Bauprodukten beeinträchtigen die Qualität der Innenraumluft erheblich. Mit Hilfe des AgBB-Schemas werden die Emissionen flüchtiger organischer Verbindungen (VOC) aus Bauprodukten bewertet. Die gesundheitliche Bewertung nach dem AgBB-Schema erfordert produktspezifische Messverfahren.
Diese gibt es mittlerweile für eine Reihe von Produkten. Sie wurden durch Beteiligung verschiedener Forschungseinrichtungen und Messinstitute validiert und u. a. in die Vergabekriterien des Umweltzeichens Blauer Engel übernommen. Die Bewertung ist allerdings mit zumeist niedrigeren Grenzwerten strenger. VOC-Emissionen und Gerüche können beide zu gesundheitlichen Belastungen führen. So ist die sensorische Prüfung ein weiteres wichtiges Element bei der Bewertung von Bauprodukten und vorsorglich auch im AgBB-Schema verankert.
Hauptziel des Projektes ist es, eine Methode der sensorischen Bewertung und Grenzen für die Vergabe des Blauen Engels und für das AgBB-Schema abzuleiten. Auf Grundlage der durchgeführten Untersuchungen (siehe Kapitel 5 Ergebnisse und Diskussion) wird als Bewertungsmethode die empfundene Intensität und die Hedonik vorgeschlagen. Die Ableitung der Grenzwerte für die sensorische Bewertung am 28. Tag erfolgt über die zusätzliche Befragung der Probanden im Rahmen der vorliegenden Studie nach der Zumutbarkeit einer Probe.
Für den Blauen Engel könnte es je Produktgruppe unterschiedliche Grenzen der empfundenen Intensität und der Hedonik geben. Ein erster Vorschlag für mögliche Grenzen, hier zunächst einheitlich für alle
Produktgruppen, ist für die empfundene Intensität 7 pi (5 pi + 2 pi als Sicherheit, Kapitel 5.1.5) und für die Hedonik -1 (0 +/-0,8, gerundet auf -1) (siehe dazu Abbildung 6-2).
Emissions from building products can considerably impair the quality of indoor air. The AgBB scheme is employed to evaluate the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from building products. The hygienic evaluation according to the AgBB scheme requires product-specific measuring procedures.
These are available for a range of products. They have been validated in co-operation with several research and testing institutes and have been included in the criteria for awarding the Blue Angel ecolabel.
The evaluation is, however, stricter and generally has lower limits. VOC emissions and odours can cause health problems so testing using sensors is an important element in the evaluation of building products and has – for reasons of precaution – been set down in the AgBB scheme. The main goal of the project was to derive a method of evaluation using sensors and limits for awarding the Blue Angel and for the AgBB scheme. Based on the research conducted (see Chapter 5 Results and Discussion), perceived intensity and hedonics were suggested as a suitable Evaluation method. The derivation of limits for the evaluation using sensors on the 28th day was effected in the present study through the additional questioning of the test subjects on the reasonability of a sample.
For the Blue Angel, there could be different limits of perceived intensity and hedonics for each group of products. A preliminary suggestion for possible limits – for all product groups – is a perceived intensity of 7 pi (5 pi + 2 pi as confidence coefficient, Chapter 5.1.5) and -1 (0+/-0.8, rounded to -1) for the hedonic value.
In diesem Vorhaben wurden 8 OSB-Platten und sieben Leimholzplatten aus Baumärkten gemäß den Vorgaben des AgBB-Schemas in Emissionsmesskammern geprüft. Hinzu kamen Messungen an 17 im Technikum hergestellten OSB, an denen der Einfluss von Herstellungsparametern auf VOCEmission untersucht wurde. Grundsätzliches Ziel war es, durch die Untersuchungen Lösungsansätze für die Emissionsminderung von VOC aus Holzwerkstoffen zu finden. Dazu wurde auch der Einsatz von Antioxidantien bei der OSB-Herstellung getestet. Die Emissionen des Rohstoffes Kiefernholz wurden an 6 Proben aus Splint- oder Kernholz aus unterschiedlichen Stammabschnitten einer frisch gefällten Kiefer untersucht. Insgesamt konnte mit dem Projekt gezeigt werden, dass einige der im Handel erhältlichen OSB und auch Leimhölzer eine Bewertung nach dem AgBB-Schema aufgrund von zu hohen Aldehyd- und Terpenemissionen nicht bestehen. Für die Aldehydemissionen (insbesondere Hexanal und ungesättigte höhere Aldehyde) konnte durch den Einsatz von Antioxidantien bei der OSB-Herstellung eine Verminderung auf ein Drittel erreicht werden, allerdings stiegen dadurch die Terpenemissionen an. In this project, eight Oriented Strand Boards (OSB) and seven plywood boards from DIY stores were tested in emission test chambers according to the AgBB schemes specifications. In addition, 17 OSBs manufactured in a pilot plant were tested to investigate the effect of production parameters on VOC emission. The use of antioxidants in OSB production was also tested. The main objective of the investigation was to find potential solutions for reducing VOC emissions from timber materials. The emissions from pine wood were investigated on six sapwood or heartwood samples from different trunk sections of freshly felled pine. The projects results show that, due to their high aldehyde and terpene emissions, some types of commercially available OSB and plywood did not meet the AgBB schemes requirements. By using antioxidants in OSB production it was possible to reduce aldehyde emissions (especially hexanal and unsaturated higher aldehydes) to one third. However, this caused an increase in terpene emissions.