Volatile organic chemical emissions from composite wood products: a review
Baumann, M. G. D.
1997 The Fibril Angle: 5-12
Baumann, M. G. D., (1997), "Volatile organic chemical emissions from composite wood products: a review", The Fibril Angle: 5-12.
Abstract:
INTRODUCTION Over the past several decades, air quality in homes and office buildings has become a matter of increasing concern. Most people spend 80 to 90 percent of their time indoors, where chemical concentrations are usually significantly 5 higher than outdoors. This problem was exacerbated as a result of the energy crisis in the 1970s, when homeowners and builders worked to increase the energy efficiency of their buildings by decreasing air exchange rates. Decreased exchange rates permit volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) emitted by building materials, furnishings, and occupant activities to accumulate to detectable and possibly harmful concentrations. Adverse health effects associated with increased VOC concentrations include eye and respiratory irritation (including asthma), irritability, inability to concentrate, and sleepiness. Tr?tek, the Swedish Institute of Wood Technology Research, estimates that 7 to 10 percent of the Swedish population has suffered ill health as a direct result of poor indoor air quality, caused in part by VOCs emitted by building materials and furn ishings.
result of increased emphasis on indoor air quality is the need for accurate information regarding the amounts and types of VOCs that are emitted from building materials, furnishings, cleaning products, and other materials found or used in the indoor environment. This information is needed not only by building occupants, but also by product manufacturers, building designers and contractors, and regulatory and public health agencies. Product manufacturers are increasingly advertising "low VOC" materials or materials suitable for use by people with chemical sensitivities. Outperforming a competing product on indoor air tests may impart a significant competitive advantage. Building designers and contractors are now being asked to certify that new buildings will meet standard indoor air quality requirements. They need emissions information to make decisions on which materials will best meet those requirements while fulfilling structural and aesthetic needs.
he Washington State East Campus Plus project provides an example of how these requirements affect planning. During the design and construction of four state office buildings, indoor air quality specifications were established that limited VOC emissions from building materials and furnishings. To be sure of meeting the emissions specifications, many of the building and furnishing materials had to be tested for VOC emissions prior to installation. For example, office furniture systems were required to emit no more than 0.05 ppm formaldehyde and 0.50 ppm total VOCs to be considered for in stallation.
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