Characterization of VOC and formaldehyde emissions from a wood based panel: results from an inter-laboratory comparison.

Six European laboratories used the emission test chamber method (EN ISO 16000-9) for the determination of VOC and formaldehyde emissions from a wood based panel (particleboard). The tested panel was conditioned without wrapping over 28 d at 23 degrees C and 50% RH before shipping to each participating laboratory. Emission chamber testing was carried out with air sampling after 3 and 28 d. Main VOCs (alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, pentanal, hexanal) and TVOC were analysed according to ISO 16000-6 and main aldehydes (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, pentanal, hexanal) were specifically analysed according to ISO 16000-3. Results indicated that relative standard deviations of reproducibility after 28 testing days are between 27.5% and 45.5% for VOC concentrations ranging from 5.9 to 38.6 microg m(-3) and between 17.1% and 23.8% for aldehyde concentrations ranging from 5.5 to 57.6 microg m(-3). Formaldehyde results showed standard deviation of only 17.4% for a mean concentration of 57.6 microg m(-3) after 28 testing days. In general, results are similar to recent inter-laboratory comparison studies even if wood based panels can be considered as heterogeneous materials.