Reliability of VOC emission chamber testing – A round-robin test with flooring adhesives and a parquet lacquer/Zuverlässigkeit von VOC-Emissionskammerprüfungen – Ein Ringversuch mit Bodenbelagsklebstoffen und einem Parkettlack

Abstract

The Association for the Control of Emissions in Products for Flooring Installation, Adhesives and Building Materials (GEV) organised a round-robin test in 2017. They wanted to establish a list of recommended testing laboratories on the basis of test results. 33 laboratories from twelve countries received three spiked test products, similar to flooring adhesives and a parquet lacquer. Less variation of results was observed compared to earlier round-robin tests, but the differences between the testing laboratories were still significant. This fact inspired a discussion regarding the analytical challenges. As an example, the parameter „sum of all volatile organic compounds (VOCs) without a target value“ includes the non-identified VOCs. This round-robin test showed a relative standard deviation of 100% and more for that parameter, which questions its reliability. The performance of 16 laboratories was rated as good by GEV. Currently, a list of recommended testing laboratories for GEV emissions testing comprises eleven laboratories from two countries. These laboratories performed well in this round-robin test and presented an appropriate accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17025.