Testing and Reducing VOC Emissions from Building Materials and Furniture

Labeling and certification for low-emission building materials and furniture is an effective source control strategy for reducing indoor air pollution. The labeling and certification programs rely on the results from standardized environmental chamber tests to measure the emission rates of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and assess their impact on indoor air quality (IAQ). In this chapter, we first introduce the fundamental principles, methods, and procedures of environmental chamber testing of VOC emissions and then discuss how the chamber test results are applied in various labeling and certification programs including the process, criteria, and the corresponding standard environmental chamber testing methods. Examples are drawn from widely used material emission testing and labeling programs. Sufficient details on the emission test methods and procedures are provided for readers to develop practical applications as well as a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the principles and processes of material emission testing and labeling. For detailed implementation, readers are referred to product-specific testing methods and labeling programs that match their interests and needs.