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/m 2d) 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/m 2d. Carpet samples which had darker color values emitted more CH 2O 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.