Effect of ventilation rate and board loading on formaldehyde concentration : a critical review of the literature

Abstract

A critical literature review has been carried out on the influence of ventilation rate (N, hr.-1) and board loading (L, m2/m3) on steady state formaldehyde concentrations (Cs, ppm) resulting from particleboard and plywood emissions. Large differences exist among boards in the extent to which their formaldehyde concentrations change with N or L in laboratory chambers. Much of the concentration versus N and L data obtained from controlled chamber experiments can be described by a two-parameter equation involving the ratio N/L as the independent variable. Although this equation has a theoretical basis, it should be regarded as semiempirical because of deviations beyond N/L Z 8 m/hr. and because a true steady state cannot be maintained indefinitely. Concentration versus N/L data for dwellings under controlled conditions are meager; more testing is needed before effects here can be quantified or chamber results reliably extrapolated to dwellings. More information is also needed regarding concentrations produced by mixed board products; at present those concentrations cannot be accurately predicted from individually measured values.

Citation

Myers, George E. 1984. Effect of ventilation rate and board loading on formaldehyde concentration : a critical review of the literature. Forest products research. Vol. 34, no. 10 (Oct. 1984): Pages 59-68