Exposure Risk Assessment of the Emissions of Wood Preservative Chemicals in Indoor Environments

Abstract

AbstractA collaborative study was undertaken to evaluate the sustainability of a new generation of biocides for the treatment of timbers in buildings and to validate the recyclability of the treated timbers. The evaluation included an assessment of the impact of emissions of the wood treatment chemicals during the service life of timbers and recycled wood based products. This involved emission testing of active substances (propiconazole, tebuconazole, permethrin and dichlofluanid) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from timber pretreated or coated using formulated products. The German AgBB method for evaluating VOC emissions from construction products was used to discuss the relative risk of the treated timbers. The emission rates of the active substances from the treated timbers were compared to the ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) values given in the draft reports from the EU Biocides Directive, 98/8/EC, to determine the exposure risk to building occupants. As a part of this study, the emissions of the active substances from the stud frame of a newly built test cabin were monitored over a two year period.