Formaldehyde Emission Rates from Carpeting in the Home Environment

Abstract

Many consumerproducts releaseformaldehyde (CH₂O) into the atmosphere at varying rates. A Formaldehyde Surface Emission Monitor (FSEM) was used to measure formaldehyde release after conditioning 40 carpet samples. Emitted CH₂O was analyzed by using a water rinse desorption, colorimetric procedure and measured spectrophotometrically using pararosaniline. Emission rate coefficients (μg/m²d) were calculated for each sample. The emission rate coefficients were then used to estimate contributions (ppb) of CH₂O to an average room in the home.

Results indicated that the average emission rate coefficients rangedfrom 9.0 to 102.2 μg/m²d. Carpet samples which had darker color values emitted more CH₂O than those having lighter color values. Carpet samples of high, cut loops emitted more CH₂O than those oflow, uncut loops. No relationship was found to exist between the amount of CH₂O emitted and fiber content. The estimated CH₂O contribution to an average room rangedfrom 14 to 142 ppb.

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