1.1 This Standard has been developed for the assessment of volatile organic compound emissions from
polyurethane foam materials used in residential and nonresidential occupancies. It outlines a test
procedure for the determination of volatile organic compounds from the specimen and explains why
certain test conditions have been selected.
1.2 This laboratory test method is based on ASTM D5116 and ASTM D8142, which describes a
procedure using small-scale environmental chambers to determine volatile organic compound emissions
from a variety of materials including Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Insulation.
1.3 The chamber methodology only presents a simple picture of the complex nature and interactions of
emissions that may exist in home and work environments. However, data from the chamber procedure is
useful for identifying potential sources of chemicals that may adversely affect the health of the occupants.
Therefore, the results from these tests cannot fully represent "real life" conditions and they will err on the
side of conservatism.
1.4 The test method specifies recommended procedures for the use of test chambers to evaluate
emissions from the material at a point in time following its installation. The test method contains the
following:
a) A dynamic chamber procedure for characterizing the rate of volatile organic compound
emissions from the material; and
b) A methodology for calculating the estimated indoor air concentrations of volatile organic
compounds based on the results of dynamic chamber testing.
1.5 The dynamic chamber procedure measures the typical VOC emission profile of the material
commencing 24 h after installation and continuing for 30 d thereafter.
1.6 The results of the dynamic chamber procedure are used to calculate indoor air VOC concentration
profiles and to determine the acceptability of the material for retrofit use.
1.7 The dynamic chamber procedure is a more complex evaluation of the material when the normal 30 d
minimum time to occupancy associated with new construction is not provided (e.g. occupied buildings).
1.8 In these special cases (e.g. occupied buildings), the application and installation standard will provide
the requirements for isolation and ventilation, if necessary. The test results of the dynamic chamber
procedure will determine the length of time that these requirements are necessary.
1.9 The methodology for assessing the acceptability of the material utilizes comparison of the estimated
indoor air concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with permissible concentrations published
by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, Health Canada and/or a Human
Health Risk Assessment Report (HHRA) by a licensed Toxicologist.
1.10 This test method can also be used to measure the emissions from SPF insulation samples that are
collected from building sites where the insulation has already been applied. Potential uses of such
measurements include investigations of odor complaints after product application. However, the specific
details of odor investigations and other indoor air quality (IAQ) investigations are outside of the scope of
this test method.