Materials emission of chemicals - PVC flooring materials

Data of chemical emissions from flooring materials have been collected and investigated in a database known as METS. The emission tests are performed using the Field and Laboratory Emission Cell (FLEC). The emission rates of total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) in the boiling point range of hexan e to octa-decane varies from around 4,000 mu g/(m(2).h) to less than 10 mu g/ (m(2).h). Results obtained 1994/95 are presented and compared with the r esults obtained in 1992 for similar materials. The tests are performed 4 we eks and 26 weeks after the manufacturing of the material. The emission rate s of TVOC decrease on the average approximately 60% from 4 to 26 weeks. The differences and trends in emission rates of individual chemicals and their use are discussed. For many VOCs emission rates decrease rapidly and becom e near to or below 2 mu g/(m(2).h) (the detection limit) after 26 weeks. Fo r a small number of individual compounds the emission rate decrease little over 26 weeks. A small number of chemicals are singled out for particular i nterest in a health and comfort evaluation based on the emission results.