VOC- and SVOC-emissions from adhesives, floor coverings and complete floor structures

Abstract

UNLABELLED: Emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and semivolatile organic compounds (SVOC) from materials for flooring installation (primer, screed, adhesive, floor covering) were measured by means of emission test chambers and cells over a time period of at least 28 days at 23 degrees C, 50% relative humidity and an area specific air flow rate of q = 1.25 m(3)/m(2) h. Single components were tested in comparison to three complete structures (same concrete, primer, screed, adhesive) with different types of floor covering (PVC, carpet, linoleum). Sorption into concrete/screed and different permeability of flooring materials affected the emissions from the complete structures. The complete structures with linoleum and PVC showed the same types of emission and emission rates as the individual floor coverings themselves. Emissions from the carpet-covered structure resulted also from the lower layers. In all cases emissions from the complete structures were lower than the sum of emissions from the single components. For two adhesives the formation of secondary emissions (aldehydes and organic acids) was observed starting after the standard testing time of 28 days. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This paper gives a survey of possible emissions of VOCs and SVOCs from flooring materials and adhesives. On the example of these materials it is shown that the determination of SVOC-emissions from materials is important because after a few weeks the emission rates for SVOCs might be higher than for VOCs. In the real indoor environment SVOCs will be probably adsorbed to dust but by means of emission test chambers or cells the determination of emission rates from materials is possible. With the knowledge of this "emission potential" it is possible to estimate also the release of SVOCs into the (indoor) environment.