1.1 This methodology provides a standard means of reproducibly and accurately testing building materials and products under a realistic, yet highly controlled, atmosphere.

1.2 This method may be used for certification solely by UL and its affiliated entities in the GREENGUARD certification program. Accordingly, only UL or its affiliated entities can determine and declare whether a product is in compliance with the requirements in this method. Any purported determination or declaration of testing, conformance, compliance or certification to this method by any other party is null and void and cannot be used to meet the requirements of this method.

1.3 The methodology measures total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), individual volatile organic compounds (IVOCs), formaldehyde, and the other aldehyde emission levels from materials using test conditions defined to simulate product use in realistic commercial office, educational, healthcare and/or residential settings.

1.4 The level of total or individual volatile organic chemical emissions is determined by observing the TVOC, IVOC, or aldehyde concentration in a dynamic environmental chamber under specified test conditions.

1.5 The observed chamber concentration is then converted by a mathematical calculation to an emission rate, a product specific variable, and then modeled to obtain room concentration estimates.

1.6 The quantity of VOCs in the environmental chamber air is determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The methodology is generally applicable to volatile organic compounds with boiling points from 60 °C to 290 °C emitting from individual products.

1.7 Emissions of selected aldehydes are measured using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection.

1.8 Specialized analysis of chamber air samples is conducted for other specific target chemicals as required for a specific product/project requirement.

1.9 The methodology with standardized measurement and analyses provides consistent testing of materials within a product group.

1.10 This protocol applies to any material belonging to a product category generally used within an enclosed indoor environment. This includes, for example, paints, other architectural coatings, sealants, adhesives, wall coverings, floor coverings, wood paneling, ceilings, furniture and furniture components used in public and commercial office buildings, schools, medical buildings, residences and other building types. The protocol applies to products that are to be tested whole or by a representative component or material in an environmental chamber.

1.11 This methodology is applicable for newly manufactured products before they are used in construction or furnishing.

1.12 This method establishes the procedures for product sample collection, emission testing and analysis, indoor air concentration modeling and associated documentation requirements.

1.13 This method also establishes performance criteria for specific chemicals of interest.

1.14 While this practice lists specific chemicals and associated maximum allowable concentrations, as required by criteria indoor air procedures and specifications, it does not assess the human risk involved with use of the materials either as an installer and/or as an end user.

1.15 This practice does not purport to address safety concerns, if any, associated with the use of this practice. It is the responsibility of the user of this protocol to establish required safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.