ECA 02: Formaldehyde emission from wood-based materials: guideline for the determination of steady state concentrations in test chambers

This guideline has been prepared by a working group of the concerted action "Indoor Air Quality and Its Impact on Man" (COST project 613) and describes a method for the determination of formaldehyde emissions from wood based materials using large scale, walk-in type environmental chambers. The guideline describes essential features of the chambers to be used, such as size, inner wall and sealing materials, tightness, air circulation and position of sensors for temperature and humidity. Moreover values for temperature, relative humidity, air exchange rate, loading factor and air velocity in the chamber are recommended. The guideline also deals with sample preparation and positioning in the chamber, and with formaldehyde sampling and analysis In addition questions of quality control are discussed.