Sterilized pine wood strands were treated with the ascomycete Ophiostoma piliferum (Cartapip 97) in an attempt to reduce aldehyde emissions through degradation of aldehydeforming precursors. Wooden boards were then produced from the treated strands by means of a laboratory press. VOC emissions of these boards were characterized and the concentrations of seven major substances were followed for a period of 28 days in Markes m-CTE micro-chambers employing Tenax-TDAS/GC/MS analytics. Boards made from treated strands showed a highly significant (P-0.001) reduction in aldehyde emissions by 70% compared to the control boards, while differences in the monoterpene emissions were not significant (P)0.05). Wood extractives from treated and untreated strands were also analyzed by GC/MS after milling and acetone/water extraction. A marked decrease of C18 unsaturated fatty acids was detected in agreement with the reduction of aldehyde emissions, and the monosaccharides as indicators of fungal growth were depleted and stilbenes and lignans were partially degraded.

In Central Europe the main species that are used for the production of sawn wood are spruce, pine, and European beech. After the sawing process, the sawn timber is technically dried to a certain moisture content by means of condensation drying. The water movement in the cellular structure, which is caused by the drying process, draws some of the extractives into solution. In the process of kiln drying, hot air evaporates the water and the dissolved extractives. Some of the water condenses on the floor and the walls of the kiln, while the rest is blown out with the steam. Therefore, condensate was taken from the bottom of the kiln as well as from the energy recovery system. A chemical analysis by means of purge-and-trap showed the presence of volatiles that could be classified as typical for the wood materials from which they originated under the conditions of high temperature and high moisture content.

Indoor air quality (IAQ) was investigated in 13 newly-built, occupied timber houses on a long-term basis. The study included a comparison of the construction types timber-frame (TF) and solid wood (SF), in addition two different ventilation types, controlled vs. window ventilation, were contrasted. The emission progression of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including formaldehyde, was recorded and compared with the subjective well-being of the residents, which was identified by use of standardized questionnaires. This was completed with toxicological assessment and repeated measurements of specific medical parameters of health indicative character. It was found that VOC-emissions were initially elevated regardless of construction and ventilation type. However, after a period of up to 8 months emissions mostly decreased to an average level. Whereas, the SW constructions released distinctly more terpenes compared to the TF houses, there was no significant difference regarding the total concentration of emitted VOCs. The use of controlled ventilation systems resulted in lower VOC-concentrations and thus in higher IAQ compared to window ventilation. From a toxicological point of view the major part of the investigated houses were unobtrusive and IAQ was considered as "high" or "satisfactory." Residents were continuously very satisfied with their health and quality of life. This perception was confirmed by the results gained from the accompanying medical examinations, giving no indication for physical impairments.

Tree bark is an interesting source for various building and furniture materials. It holds a high number of volatile components—resulting in emissions whose effects on building residents have to be considered. Spruce and larch barks were dried using different methods and prepared as loose particles and panels. The VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions after 3 and 14 days were measured in a small chamber using gas chromatography and coupled mass spectroscopy. The influence of bark type, drying method, hot pressing and time on the emissions was quantified. The total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) emissions from spruce bark were higher than those from larch bark. High-temperature treatment and time significantly decrease TVOC emissions from the investigated barks. Terpenes, aldehydes and acids were analysed in the emitting gases. The high temperatures whilst pressing panels are problematic due to furfural constitution. Its emissions and partly those of 2-octenal and acetic acid are relevant for present and upcoming evaluation schemes. Aldehydes are the critical substance when using bark in the interior and must be controlled in product development.

This paper is divided into two parts: In the first part, the model room VOC measurement concept is evaluated with specimens from different construction materials in order to estimate the safety margins when using day 28 as the time point for indoor air quality assessment. Safety margins between 2 and 20 were estimated for softwood-based products. In the second part, the theoretical restrictiveness of ECA-IAQ Report 18 derivative schemes (like AgBB or NH 105) towards the indoor-related industrial production in central Europe was evaluated.