Sources of formaldehyde, other aldehydes and terpenes in a new manufactured house

Abstract

Formaldehyde, less volatile aldehydes, and terpene hydrocarbons are generally the predominant air contaminants in new manufactured and site-built houses. This study was conducted to identify the major sources of these compounds in a typically constructed, new manufactured house and to evaluate several source reduction practices. Specimens of materials used within the house were collected. These were individually pre-conditioned for 19 +/- 4 days, and tested for emissions of formaldehyde and other target compounds using small-scale chambers. Several cabinetry materials, passage doors, and the plywood subfloor were the predominant sources of formaldehyde and other aldehydes. The plywood subfloor was the predominant terpene source. Whole-house emission rates for combined materials were predicted based on the emission factors and the corresponding material quantities. These predicted rates were compared with whole-house emission rates derived from measurements made at the house 3 months after its installation. For 10 of 14 target compounds including formaldehyde, the predicted and derived rates were within a factor of two. Four emission barriers applied to plywood were shown to reduce emission factors for formaldehyde, hexanal, and other aldehydes.

Development and validation by accuracy profile of a method for the analysis of monoterpenes in indoor air by active sampling and thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

“…In recent years, some studies have reported that concentrations of indoor air monoterpenes have greatly increased, obviously due to the more frequent usage of natural products in the construction of houses, buildings and upholstery [4,5]. The main compounds emitted by wood and derivatives are terpenes [6][7][8]. α-Pinene is the most perceptually abundant compound of all the spruce wood volatiles [9].…”

Personal Exposure of Children to Formaldehyde in Perth, Western Australia

“…McPhail (1991) found that caravans and portable buildings had substantially elevated levels of indoor formaldehyde, compared with conventional homes, with the studies by Scmidt (1991) and Hodgson et al (2002) reporting similar findings.…”

“…Materials were placed in a small chamber for 48 hours and the chamber exhaust analysed to identify major formaldehyde emitters. The study found that, of the materials tested, cabinetry materials, passage doors and plywood subfloors were the most significant emitters of formaldehyde in new manufactured homes (Hodgson et al 2002).…”

“…Studies measuring formaldehyde in the indoor air of portable buildings and caravans found that the use of large amounts of R WP in the construction resulted in elevated formaldehyde concentrations in these buildings (McPhail 1991;Scmidt 1991;Brown 1999;Hodgson et al 2002). McPhail (1991) found that caravans and portable buildings had substantially elevated levels of indoor formaldehyde, compared with conventional homes, with the studies by Scmidt (1991) and Hodgson et al (2002) reporting similar findings.…”

“…Increased ventilation was shown to increase formaldehyde emission rates from particle board and MDF (Brown 1999). Hodgson et al (2002) undertook a small-scale chamber test of a range of materials used in manufactured homes, including particleboard countertops and cabinet cases, frame lumber, doors and plywood subfloors. Materials were placed in a small chamber for 48 hours and the chamber exhaust analysed to identify major formaldehyde emitters.…”