ASTM E1333
Scope
1.1 This test method measures the formaldehyde concentration in air and emission rate from wood products containing formaldehyde under conditions designed
to simulate product use (see 11.5 and Note 9). The concentration in air and emission rate is determined in a large
chamber under specific test conditions of temperature and relative humidity. The general procedures are also intended for testing product combinations at product-loading ratios and at
air-exchange rates typical of the indoor environment (1). The products tested, the loading ratios and the air exchange rates employed are described in the test report.
1.2 This test method determines the average formaldehyde concentration in air and emission rate from a number of large size samples. The average
concentration and emission rate reported, thus, will not provide information on higher or lower emitting panels in the test lot.
1.3 This method is primarily used for testing newly manufactured panel products that are shipped for testing either seal-wrapped in polyethylene or with
waster sheets, or with both. When this test method is used for evaluating other than newly manufactured panel products (after original application, installation or use), the method of packaging
and shipping the product for testing shall be described in the test report.
1.4 The quantity of formaldehyde in the air sample taken from the chamber is determined by an adaptation of the National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH) chromotropic acid test procedure. If another analytical procedure is used to determine the quantity of formaldehyde in the air sample, that procedure shall give results of
equivalent or greater accuracy and precision than the adapted chromotropic acid procedure. Detailed procedures based on acetylacetone, pararosaniline (see Test Method D5221), 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) (see Test Method D5197) and 3-methyl-2-benzothiazoline (MBTH) (see Test Method
D5014) have been found to give results equivalent or greater in accuracy and precision than chromotropic acid. The test report shall note the analytical
procedure employed.
Note 1: The
chromotropic acid analytical procedure described in this test method is applicable for testing urea-formaldehyde bonded wood products. According to NIOSH (4th Edition, 8/15/94), the low end
of the working range for the chromotropic acid analytical procedure is 0.02 ppm. A more sensitive analytical procedure is recommended for testing wood panel products where formaldehyde
concentrations in air are anticipated to be at or below this level. DNPH is recognized as such a method.
1.5 This test method is used to determine compliance with requirements such as those established for building materials by the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) Rules and Regulations, HUD 24 CFR 3280, for manufactured housing, by Minnesota Statutes Section 144.495, Environmental Protection Agency Formaldehyde Emission
Standards for Composite Wood Products, EPA TSCA Title VI 40 CFR Section 770, and California Air Resources Board (CARB), California Code of Regulations sections 93120-93120.12, title 17,
Airborne Toxic Control Measure to Reduce Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products. Measurement results are also used for comparing concentrations in air and emission rates from
different wood products (2) and for determining compliance with product standards.
1.6 This test method is not designed for determining general organic emissions from all indoor materials and products.
Note 2: ASTM Committee D22 has developed Guide D5116
which describes small-scale environmental equipment and techniques suitable for determining organic emissions and emission rates from materials and products used indoors.
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 7.
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on
Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Keywords
chromotropic acid analysis; concentration in air; emission rate; formaldehyde; large chamber; wood products containing formaldehyde;
ICS Code
ICS Number Code 79.060.20 (Fibre and particle boards)
DOI: 10.1520/E1333-22