In this study, the authors describe a method for evaluation of material emissions. The study was based on chemical analysis of emissions from 23 materials representing solid wood and wood-based materials commonly used in furniture, interior furnishings, and building products in Denmark in the 1990s. The authors used the emission chamber testing method to examine the selected materials with a qualitative screening and quantitative determination of volatile organic compounds. The authors evaluated the toxicological effects of all substances identified with chamber testing. Lowest concentration of interest and standard room concentrations were assessed, and the authors calculated an S-value for each wood and wood-based material. The authors identified 144 different chemical substances with the screening analyses, and a total of 84 individual substances were quantified with chamber measurements. The irritative effects dominated at low exposure levels; therefore, the lowest concentration of interest and the S-value were based predominantly on these effects. The S-values were very low for solid ash, oak, and beech. For solid spruce and pine, the determining substances for size of the S-value were delta3-carene, alpha-pinene, and limonene. For the surface-treated wood materials, the S-value reflected the emitted substances from the surface treatment.

HANSEN MK, LARSEN M, COHR K-H. Waterborne paints: A review of their chemistry and toxicology and the results of determinations made during their use. Scand J Work Environ Health 13 (1987) 473-485. This work presents information on the composition of waterborne construction paints used in Denmark, data from determinations of chemicals evaporating from paints applied with a brush or roller, and the toxicology of these chemicals. Seven product types were selected to illustrate the composition of the paints. Measurements at two workplaces were used as models for the work environment during painting. Evaporating chemicals were collected on Tenax TN"' and analyzed with capillary column gas chromatography after thermal desorption. In smudging work, waterborne paints may result in skin irritation and/or sensitization when safety precautions are not taken. Irritation of the mucous membranes may be expected if airing is not sufficient. This irritation may lead to headache mediated by trigeminal nerve stimulation. No other health hazards (eg, brain damage) are expected. The available information indicates that waterborne paints are a clear improvement over traditional paints which use white spirit as the main solvent.Key terms: biocides, headache, irritation, latex paint, monomers, sensitizers, siccatives, solvents, surface active compounds, trigeminal nerve.In the I970s there was a substantial change in the consumption of construction paints in Denmark. Before this time, most paints were formulated with white spirit as the main solvent. Today more than 90 070 of construction paints are waterborne. The reasons for this change may have been the public discussion of the possibility of brain damage due to solvent exposure, the technological developments, the information campaigns of the trade unions, and the regulation by the Danish Labour Inspectorate. The change has resulted in some further advantages, eg, fewer risks of fire or explosion and a decreased emission of solvents to the environment.The present review was initiated as a part of an investigation of whether or not health problems might be expected from work with waterborne construction paints. It is a compilation of a Danish report (21), and it deals with (i) the composition of waterborne paints according to specifications from the Danish manufacturers, (ii) the toxicology of the chemicals contained in these paints, with the main emphasis on effects related to exposure to these types of products, and (iii) analysis of chemicals evaporating from waterborne paints under work conditions. Review of the chemistry and the toxicology of waterborne paints Chemistry oj waterborne paintsThe following seven waterborne product types were examined: acrylic latex paint (flat), acrylic latex paint (semi-gloss), heavy-bodied latex wall paint, latex enamel, latex primer (micro disperse), latex wall paint, and sealing waterborne paint (for ceilings). They were chosen from the Danish market in collaboration with, among others, the Danish Painters' Union, representatives of the Dan...

The authors investigated the chemical emissions from selected products from exotic wood by climate chamber measurement. Quantitative chemical analyses of emissions from the five most used exotic products in Denmark were performed, and all chemical compounds found were evaluated toxicologically. Emission from the evaluated exotic wood was very limited. None of the products is likely, under our exposure conditions, to cause health problems in relation to indoor air.

Initation of the eyes and the upper respiratory tract (sensory irritation) in man due to the emission of vapours and gases from water‐based indoor paints has been estimated from their ability to decrease the respiratory rate in mice (ASTM: E981‐84, slightly modified). An acid‐curing lacquer, known to give rise to sensory irritation during occupational exposure, was used as the positive control. In the bioassay the and‐curing lacquer also gave rise to a pronounced sensory irritation, confirming that the ASTM method was applicable. Furthermore, the emission of formaldehyde, bases and acids was determined. The irritation within the first week was mainly due to the emission of organic solvents, but formaldehyde also played a role. Later the sensory irritation effect was caused mainly by the emission of formaldehyde. This indicates that the method revealed the different emission phases. None of the water‐based paints (3 latex wall paints, 1 silicate paint and 1 distemper) gave rise to a biologically significant irritation effect. Nor did the water‐based products emit formaldehyde or acids. However, varying degrees of emission of ammonia were observed. Taking into account the biological detection limits, no significant degree of sensory irritation can be expected in man 1‐2 weeks after indoor painting with the tested water‐based products.