ISO 16000-10:2006 PDF

Overview

ISO 16000-10:2006 - "Indoor air - Part 10: Determination of the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building products and furnishing - Emission test cell method" defines a laboratory test method for measuring the area specific emission rate of VOCs emitted from building materials and furnishings. The standard is intended for newly produced (and, in principle, aged) products and produces emission data that can be used to model indoor concentrations in a room. An example emission test cell is provided (Annex C), and quality assurance/quality control requirements are included (Annex A).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Emission test cell concept: A small chamber placed on the surface of the test specimen so the specimen surface forms part of the cell. This enables surface-specific emission measurements (including potential on-site, non-destructive measurement; procedure not specified in this part).
• Controlled test conditions: Tests are conducted at constant temperature, relative humidity and area specific air flow rate. The cell must be supplied with clean, humidified air and the air flow controlled to an accuracy of ±5%.
• Materials and construction: Cell and sampling parts contacting VOCs are normally made from polished stainless steel or glass; sealing materials must be low-emitting and low-adsorbing to avoid background contamination.
• Measured outputs and units: The main result is the area specific emission rate (qA), typically expressed in micrograms per square metre per hour (µg·m−2·h−1). Emission test cell concentrations are measured at the outlet and converted to emission rates using the area specific air flow rate.
• Definitions and metrics: Includes terminology such as air change rate, product loading factor, TVOC (total volatile organic compounds), recovery, and target VOCs.
• Quality & reporting: Annex A covers QA/QC; Clause 14 describes performance characteristics; Clause 15 prescribes test report content.

Practical applications and users

• Provides standardized emission data for:
  • Product manufacturers assessing VOC emissions during product development and certification.
  • Indoor air quality consultants and environmental engineers modeling occupant exposures and estimating room concentrations.
  • Regulators and certification schemes setting emission criteria for building materials and furnishings.
  • Laboratories performing emission testing for building products, coatings, adhesives and furnishings.
• Applicable to a broad set of materials including wood-based panels and for formaldehyde emission assessment (measurement procedures for formaldehyde are referenced in ISO 16000-3).

Related standards

• ISO 16000 series (indoor air): especially ISO 16000-6 (VOC analysis), ISO 16000-11 (sampling, storage, specimen preparation), and ISO 16000-3 (formaldehyde).
• EN 717-1 and ISO 12460-1 referenced for formaldehyde from wood-based panels.

Keywords: ISO 16000-10:2006, indoor air, VOC emissions, emission test cell, area specific emission rate, building products, formaldehyde, emission testing, TVOC, air flow control.