Climatic Chamber Configurator
Discover the Climatic Chamber Configurator
Our guide to choosing the climate chamber best suited to your needs.
VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions have been the focus of scientists and researchers for decades to ensure the healthiness of the air we breathe.
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In the following article, we will explain what VOC emissions are and how VOC emissions tests work, which are essential for the approval and safety of products and materials found in everyday life.
What Are VOC Emissions
Volatile Organic Compounds (abbreviated to VOC) are very different chemical compounds but have in common the high volatility, that is, the tendency to reach a gaseous state under certain temperature and humidity conditions.
For example, water becomes volatile at 100 degrees when it undergoes the vaporization process, passing from a liquid to a gaseous state.
Some materials, however, are subject to a vaporization process, that is, they pass directly from a solid state to a gaseous state, producing these emissions.
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Are VOC Emissions Dangerous?
Some of these Volatile Organic Compounds are of particular concern to scientists and researchers because excessive inhalation can be harmful to the human body.
The most common examples are VOC emissions from paints, coatings, varnishes, and finishes, which slowly release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, including perchloroethylene and formaldehyde.
In excessive quantities, perchlorethylene has been shown to cause cancer in animals, while formaldehyde can irritate mucous membranes and also causes increased susceptibility to further chemical attacks.
VOC Emissions Tests
Many materials can release VOC emissions but the sectors involved in VOC emissions testing are mainly two: automotive and construction.
Have you ever noticed the distinctive smell of new car interiors? Many people even think it smells good. At that moment, you're inhaling volatile organic compounds. In certified cars, they're not harmful, but we consider them certified precisely because they've passed a series of tests that ensure VOC emissions are below the threshold.
Similarly, many commonly used building materials, panels, coatings, and paints release VOC emissions that need to be controlled.
The two international standards that illustrate the procedures to be conducted in tests in each sector are ISO 12219-4:2013, for automotive and ISO 16000-9:2006 for construction products and finishing products.
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The FDM Climatic Chamber for VOC Testing
The quantity and quality of VOC emissions is related values relative humidity and temperature of a given environment.
For this reason, the VOC emissions test must be carried out in a controlled environment where it is possible to alter the temperature and relative humidity parameters.
FDM climate chambers meet these requirements and can be equipped with additional components to analyze volatile organic compound emissions detected inside the chamber.
Furthermore, our construction criteria comply with international standards and can carry out tests according to the standards we have listed above.
If you need VOC emissions testing, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our technicians will respond promptly and direct you to the right product for your needs.
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Reference VOC Regulations
- ISO 16000 (series) — Indoor air — various parts for VOCs, formaldehyde, mold
- ISO 12219-1/2/3 — Interior air of road vehicles (VOC automotive)
- VDA 270 / VDA 278 — German automotive emissions (odour + VOC)
- ASTM D5116 — Small-scale environmental chamber determinations of organic emissions
- EN 717-1 — Wood-based panels — Formaldehyde emission
- Directive 2004/42/EC — VOC limits for paints and vehicle refinishing products
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Frequently Asked Questions About VOC Testing
What are VOCs and why should they be tested?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are low molecular weight chemicals that evaporate at chamber temperature, released from materials (plastics, paints, adhesives, fabrics). They can be toxic, carcinogenic, or irritating. VOC tests measure the quantity and type of release to verify compliance with regulatory limits (indoor air quality, automotive, construction).
How are VOCs measured in a climate chamber?
The standard method (ISO 16000 / ASTM D5116) uses an emission test chamber: the sample is placed in a climate-controlled chamber (23°C, 50% RH, air exchange rate 0.5-1 volume/hour), and the output air is sampled using Tenax TA or DNPH tubes and analyzed by GC-MS. Typical sampling duration is 72 hours – 28 days.
Which products require mandatory VOC testing?
Automotive: Vehicle interior parts (VDA 270, ISO 12219-3). Construction: Chipboard/wood (EN 717-1), flooring, adhesives (German AgBB). Varnishes and paints: Directive 2004/42/EC with specific limits. Toys: EN 71-9. Furniture: CARB Phase II certifications (California) for formaldehyde.
What is the difference between TVOC and SVOC?
TVOC (Total VOC): Total sum of volatile compounds between C6-C16 (boiling point 50-250°C). SVOC (Semi-Volatile): Compounds with higher molecular weight (C16-C32, 240-400°C and b), such as plasticizers, flame retardants, pesticides. They are measured with different analytical techniques and specific limits. In a climatic chamber, TVOCs are detected quickly (3-28 days), while SVOCs require prolonged emissions (months).
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