Health-related evaluation of building products based on climate chamber tests

A procedure is developed for assessing the health effects of the emissions from building products. The procedure is based on: • emission rates measured in environment test chambers • a fixed standard room with fixed standard conditions • a maximum acceptable concentration in the indoor air of each of the chemical compounds emitted, Iv a maximum permissible contribution to Iv from building products. The procedure has two elements: evaluation of the emitted compound alone and evaluation of the compound together with other compounds and indoor air factors. The evaluation includes odour and health effects of the compounds. The procedure has been applied to the emission test results for two building products: a rubber floor covering, and a water-borne acrylic watt paint. Maximum acceptable indoor air concentrations are listed fin-selected chemical compounds emitted by these two materials.