Development of Low VOC-Emission Products andAnalyses of Emitted VOCs and Aldehyde
Fumiha Aoki *, Kenji Iizuka *, Mariko Wakae *, and Atsushi Higashiura *There is worldwide demand to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
such as toluene and xylene as well as aldehyde such as formaldehyde. These
compounds are emitted from building materials, vehicle cabin components, or home appliances,and cause a health hazard.
We have attempted to reduce VOC and formaldehyde emission from our product line-up related
to building materials, automotive, electrical, and electronic equipment. This report introduces our
product developments for low VOC emission, sensitive analyses through the collection andconcentration of emitted VOCs and aldehyde in the respective product groups, and a simplified
VOC analysis at the development stage. In addition, we mention the grasped points of theseanalyses.

ABSTRACT

1. INTRODUCTION
Table 1 shows the guideline values for a concentration ofchemical substances in the indoor atmosphere 1) releasedby the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. This waspresented in response to the outbreak of sick building
Table 1

Guideline values for concentration of chemical substances in indoor atmosphere by Ministry of Health,
Labor and Welfare.

Chemical substance

Guideline value forconcentration inindoor air (μg/m3)

Main usage(Emission source)

Formaldehyde

100

Plywood, adhesive

Toluene260

Adhesive, paintXylene870

Adhesive, paintParadichlorobenzene

240

Insect repellent

Ethylbenzene

3800

Heat insulation material,
paint, floor material

Styrene220

Heat insulation material,
paint, floor material

syndrome which became a social problem in the 1990s,
and with an aim to reduce chemical substances in theindoor atmosphere. The amended Building Standards
Law regulates formaldehyde emission 2), 3) (Table 2), andthe “Standards of School Environmental Sanitation” 4)
makes inspections on formaldehyde and toluene mandatory. Furthermore, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers
Association, Inc. (JAMA) self-regulates VOC in the vehicle
cabin 5) and the Japan Electronics and Information
Technology Industries Association (JEITA) does in similar
way personal computers 6). The respective industry segments have thus formulated their own measuring methods for VOC and aldehyde emission.
We have developed analysis techniques on VOC andaldehyde emission in order to achieve lower VOC emission for our products.
Table 2

Classification and regulation for formaldehyde
emission from building products by the BuildingStandards Law.

1

Termite insecticide

Emission factor2μg/(m h) *JIS symbols
for indication

Di-n-butylphthalate

220

Plasticizer for PVC

Less than 5F☆☆☆☆

No limit

Tetradecane

330

Adhesive, paint

5-20

F☆☆☆

With area limit

Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate

120

Plasticizer for PVC

20-120F☆☆

With area limit

Diazinon

0.29

Termite insecticide

Over 120

No indication

BannedAcetaldehyde

48

Plywood, adhesive

Fenobucarb

33

Termite insecticide(Nonanal)

Interim target 41

Plywood, adhesive

Total Volatile Organic
Compounds (TVOC)

Interim target 400

Chlorpyrifos

Area limit of building
materials* Refer to the definition of emission factor in Table 6.

* Ecology & Energy Lab., R&D Div.

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Development of Low VOC-Emission Products and Analyses of Emitted VOCs and Aldehyde

2.

OUR PRODUCTS AND MEASURING
METHODS OF VOC AND ALDEHYDEEMISSION

Table 3 summarizes our product line-up on which we
strive for the reduction of VOC and aldehyde emission as
well as relevant analysis methods.
Table 3Figure 2. For highly volatile and unstable aldehydes, they
are derivatized right after they are collected in a DNPH
cartridge. And then aldehyde-DNPH derivatives are
extracted with acetnitrile, and analyzed with a HighPerformance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) shown in
Figure 3.

Summary of our product line-up involved with reducing VOC and aldehyde emission and analysis methods specified in each field.
Product

Measuring method of VOC
and aldehyde emission

Field

Fireproof putty forbuilding ductwork
Building materials
Interior wiring products

JIS A 1901 Small chamber
methodWire harness
Steering roll connector

Vehicle cabin components

Sampling bag method
JASO M902
Method by respective
companies
Closed chamber method

Heat conductive parts
Electromagnetic
shielding material

Electrical and electronic equipment

JIS C 9913

Figure 1

For building materials and electrical and electronicequipment, Japan Industrial Standards (JIS) specifies
measuring methods of VOC and aldehyde emission
under the assumed temperature, humidity, and ventilation
for indoor environments 7), 8). As for vehicle cabin components, measuring methods specified by automotive manufacturers are classified into two methods: sampling bag
method and closed chamber method. However, the society of Automotive Engineering of Japan (JASO) adopted
the widely used sampling bag method as the industry
standard 9). Table 4 is a compendium of sampling test
conditions.
Any of the testing methods are performed using theequipment shown in Figures 1 through 3. Figure 4 showsa schematic of sampling and analysis.
For the emission test (small chamber method), VOCs
and aldehyde are analyzed in the process shown in
Figure 4 (a) with the instrument shown in Figure 1.
For the sampling bag method, VOCs and aldehyde are
analyzed in the process shown in Figure 4 (b).
After VOCs are collected in a Tenax tube, they are analyzed and measured by thermal desorption-gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) shown in
Table 4

Figure 2

Emission test instrument.

Thermal desorption-gas chromatograph/mass
spectrometer for analysis of VOCs.

Figure 3

HPLC for analysis of DNPH-aldehydes.

Compendium of testing conditions for sampling VOCs and aldehyde from products.

Product group

Testing method

Building materials

JIS A 1901

Vehicle cabin components

Sampling bag method
JASO M902
Respective companies’ method
Closed chamber method

Electrical and electronic equipment

JIS C 9913

Temperature (℃)
Humidity (% R.H.)

Air exchange rate
(times/h)

Sample amount or product loading factor

28℃, 50% R.H.

0.5

2.2 m2/m3

65℃
e.g., 65℃

NA

Surface area:
2
100 cme.g., 80 cm2

65℃

NA

Equivalent of 1/100 unit or 1 unit

23℃ (28℃ Ok)
50 % R.H.

0.5 or 1

0.01 < (Volume of measured equipment /Volume of chamber) < 0.25

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Development of Low VOC-Emission Products and Analyses of Emitted VOCs and Aldehyde

Thermal desorption-GC/MS
Tenax tube

Humidistat

Activated carbon

Silica gel

Air

Chamber

DNPH
cartridge

Aldehyde analysis
Solvent extractionand HPLC(a) Emission test (Small chamber method)

Thermal desorption-GC/MS

Nitrogen cylinder

Tenax tube

DNPH
cartridge

VOC Analysis
Aldehyde analysis

Table 5

Target specification for development.
Notation or code ofbuilding materials

Schematic of emission test, sampling and analyses.

The aforementioned analyses, using a sampling tube
and a DNPH cartridge for collecting and concentrating
emitted VOCs and aldehyde, feature high sensitivity.
However, they are time-consuming analyses going
through test preparation, respective sampling operations,and analyses for VOCs and aldehyde.

3.

4.1 Target Specification for Development
Fireproof putty for building ductwork is applied to the gapof pass-through cables and bus ducts in the houses. In
the event of fire, its thermal expansion blocks up and prevents the fire from spreading. It also shows excellent performance in sound insulation. In addition to improvementsof conventional features such as lighter weight and better
thixotropy (no drooping after application), we decided tochallenge the issue for lower VOCs and formaldehyde.
We set our target specification: F☆☆☆☆ for formaldehyde and the equivalent level to F☆☆☆☆ for four
10)
VOCs . This is shown in Table 5.

Solvent extractionand HPLC(b) Sampling bag method

Figure 4

DEVELOPMENT OF FIREPROOF PUTTY
FOR BUILDING DUCTWORK (BUILDINGPRODUCTS)VOC Analysis

Emission test instrument

Sampling bag

4.

SIMPLIFIED VOC ANALYSIS:HEADSPACE METHOD

Compared with the JIS or JASO methods, the VOC analysis by Headspace auto sampler (Figure 5) is a simple andbrief method.
In the Headspace method (HeadSpace, HS), a headspace vial (Figure 6) containing a sample is sealed andheated to introduce a portion of vapor phase including
the generated gas into an analytical column.
But emission of VOCs is not quantitatively evaluated by
the Headspace method (as explained in Section 8. (5)).

Emission factor (μg/(m2h))*FormaldehydeF☆☆☆☆

5 or below

TolueneT

38 or below

XyleneX

120 or below

Ethylbenzene

E

550 or below

StyreneS

32 or below* Refer to the codicil for emission factor in Table 6.

As a result of evaluation by the official method of JIS A
1901 (small chamber method), the toluene emission factor substantially exceeded the target value in our first prototype (No.1), necessitating reduction measures. Through
HS-GC/MS measurement, we found that raw material A
accounted for the cause of toluene.
Next, prototype evaluation was made on a toluene-controlled sample (No.2) using raw material as an alternative
to A. The result was successful and we could clear thetarget.
With an example of development for fireproof putty, we
describe the analysis of VOC and aldehyde emission frombuilding materials by JIS A 1901 and simplified VOC analysis of raw materials by Headspace GC/MS measurement.
4.2

JIS A 1901 Small Chamber Method

4.2.1 Flow of Measurement
11)
Figure 7 shows a flow of JIS A 1901 “Determination of
the emission of volatile organic compounds and aldehydes
for building products - Small chamber method” (2003).
Table 6 describes the important terms of the emission
tests.

Figure 5 Headspace auto sampler.

Figure 6 Headspace vial.

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Preparation of a small chamber

Air exchange for one day inside
empty chamber
Measurement of backgroundconcentration

Figure 8 Seal box set.

Setting of test specimen(Start of the emission test)

Setting of test specimen

Air exchange for one day

Sampling

Measurement of travel blankconcentration

Sampling after one, three, andseven days

Measurement of travel blankconcentration after one, three,and seven days

Figure 7

Table 6

Figure 9 The sets in chamber.

Flow of JIS A 1901.

4.2.3 Emission Test
Set the inside of 20-liter chamber at 28°C 50% R.H. andair exchange rate of 0.5 time/h (reference; Table 6 Air
exchange rate), stabilize for 30 minutes and start theemission test. Figure 10 shows the inner view of the emission test instrument.
The emission test generally continues for 7 days andsampling operation is performed after the elapse of one,
three and 7 days. (The emission of our prototype (No.1)
after the elapse of 7 days exceeded the target, so the test
was extended to 30 days.)

Key technical terms and the definitions.

Emission factor
This is a mass of VOC, formaldehyde, and other carbonyl compound emission per unit time during the specified time from thestart of test. Since building materials such as flooring materials
and wallpapers to be the subject of JIS A 1901 are used perunit area, the emission factor is expressed in the mass per unit
time and unit area. The unit is μg/(m2h).
Codicil: Following F☆☆☆☆ (read as “formaldehyde fourstars”) in the formaldehyde regulation of the Construction
Standards Act, a VOC emission factor standard equivalent to
F☆☆☆☆ has been specified for four VOCs (toluene: T, xylene:
X, ethylbenzene: E, styrene: S) 10).
Air exchange rate
This is a value obtained by dividing air volume supplied to thesmall chamber per unit time (ventilation rate) by chamber
volume. The unit is times/h.
Codicil: 0.5 time/h of air exchange rate means half of the ambient
atmosphere inside the chamber is exchanged with fresh air every
hour. In the case of a 20-liter chamber, 10 liters are exchanged
and the air exchange flow requirement will be 166 ml/min (20,000
ml x 0.5 = 10,000 ml = approx. 166 ml/min x 60 min).
Product loading factor
This is a ratio of the small chamber volume to the surface areaof the test specimen. The unit is m2/m3. When comparing theresults obtained from different small chambers, the productloading factor and air exchange rate must be under the same
conditions because they may affect emission factors.
Codicil: The product loading factor must be set at 2.2 m2/m3. In
the case of a 20-liter chamber, it can be obtained by making the
product surface area 440 cm2 (0.044 m2 / 0.02 m3 = 2.2 m2/m3)
with two sets of squares with 147 mm sides, placed vertically(147 cm x 147 cm x 2 = 432 cm2).

4.2.2 Setting of Test Specimen
Set the test specimen in the seal box exposing the emission
measurement face (Figure 8), and set the box in 20-literchamber with a support (Figure 9). The product loading
2
3
factor is required to be set at 2.2 m /m (see Table 6).

Figure 10 Inner view of emission test instrument.

4.2.4 Sampling Operation
For VOCs, collect 3.2 liters into a Tenax TA tube with asampling pump (Figure 11).
For aldehyde, collect 10 liters into a DNPH cartridgewith a sampling pump (Figure 12).

Figure 11 Sampling operation for VOCs into Tenax TA tube.

Figure 12 Sampling operation for aldehyde into DNPH
cartridge.

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Development of Low VOC-Emission Products and Analyses of Emitted VOCs and Aldehyde

4.2.5 Analysis and Measurement
The Tenax TA tube after sampling is set to the measurement by Thermal desorption-GC/MS.
After acetonitrile extraction of aldehyde-DNPH derivatives in the cartridge, the extract is set to the measurement with a High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph.
4.2.6 Results of the Emission Test for Prototype No.1
Figure 13 shows the total ion chromatograms of VOCemission from our prototype No.1 by Thermal desorptionGC/MS. The results of blank measurement, after theelapse of one day, 7 days, and 30 days of emission tests
are shown in this order. The result shows that VOC emission is decreasing day by day. Toluene showed notabledetection at 9.2 minutes of retention time.
Table 7 summarizes VOC and aldehyde emission factors of our prototype No.1. Upon the elapse of 7 days,
formaldehyde and three VOCs other than toluene
achieved the development targets. The emission factor of2
toluene was measured as 204 μg/(m h). It failed to2achieve the target value of 38 μg/(m h).

4.3

Results of Simplified VOC Analysis for Raw
Materials by HS
Figure 14 shows the results of HS-GC/MS measurement
for raw materials A to H. With these results, we could
specify the raw material A to be the cause of toluene forour prototype (No.1). In the raw materials B and C, VOCs
other than the chemical substances specified in theguidelines for indoor concentration were detected.
Heat condition of vial: 100℃ 15 minutes
071123HS011
100
10.26

Toluene%5.08
0071123HS017
100

Thermal desorption condition: 280℃ 15 minutes

%

17.07

B

21.76
22.8426.14 29.19

0071123HS023
100

40.85

0
080715A19
100

9.25

Toluene

No.1

26.73

%
5.17

%
38.32

0
071123HS018
100
%
0
5.00
10.00
071123HS022
100

15.00

20.00

25.00

30.00

35.00

40.00

45.00

50.00

55.00

E

Scan EI+
TIC
1.60e10

7days

%
0
5.00

Scan EI+
TIC
1.60e1030days

%

9.23

0
5.00

10.00

26.72
15.00

20.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

25.00

30.00

35.00

40.00

45.00

25.00

32.44 33.85
30.00

35.00

40.00

45.00

50.00

55.00

60.00

TargetMeasurement results according to JIS A 1901

☆☆☆☆

1 day

3 daysFormaldehyde

5 or
below

1.4

*

1.0

*

*

Toluene

38 or
below

326

261

204

-

108

120 orbelow

0.08

Styrene

32 or
below

Time

65.00

7 days 24 days 30 days

4.4 Toluene-Controlled Prototype (No.2)
Prototype No.2 uses new material for low toluene in placeof the raw material A. Figure 15 shows the results of theemission test (total ion chromatograms by Thermal
desorption-GC/MS). Table 8 summarizes the emission
factors of formaldehyde and VOCs for respective targets.
Targets were achieved including toluene.
Figure 16 shows time attenuation of the toluene emission factor.
Heat condition of Tenax TA tube: 280℃ 15 minutes

0.5
0.01

*: Less than determinate quantity limit

0.06
0.4
0.01

0.08
0.4
0.01

-: Not measured

-

*
0.1
*

Scan EI+
TIC
1.60e10080715A18
100

Blank 2%550 or
below

60.00

Time

Emission factor (μg/(m2h))

Ethylbenzene

55.00

65.00

The emission factors of formaldehyde and four
VOCs from our prototype No.1.

Xylene50.00

Figure 14 Total ion chromatograms of raw materials of A to H,
by HS-GC/MS.

Figure 13 Total ion chromatograms of emitted VOCs from ourprototype No.1, by TD-GC/MS.

Table 7

Scan EI+
TIC
5.00e9H

30.33 32.43 33.84

23.78

0
080715A26
100

Scan EI+
TIC
5.00e9Scan EI+
TIC
5.00e9

G

%

Time

65.00

Scan EI+
TIC
5.00e9F

0071123HS020
100

26.73
5.17

60.00

0
071123HS010
100

Scan EI+
TIC
1.60e10

1day

9.22
%

Scan EI+
TIC
5.00e9D%

30.33 32.43 33.84

23.78

0
080715A23
100

Scan EI+
TIC
5.00e9C

0071123HS007
100

Scan EI+
TIC
1.60e10

Blank 1%

Scan EI+
TIC
5.00e9

20.85
19.34

%

080715A17
100

Scan EI+
TIC
5.00e9Raw Material A

0080715A20100%
0080715A24
100

TolueneScan EI+
TIC
1.60e10

1day

30.32 32.43 33.83

23.78

9.20

Scan EI+
TIC
1.60e107days%
0080715A27
100

No.2

26.73

26.73
25.71

9.21

32.44 33.84

Scan EI+
TIC
1.60e1030days

%
26.73
0
5.00

10.00

15.00

20.00

25.00

31.97 33.85
30.00

35.00

40.00

45.00

50.00

55.00

60.00

Time

65.00

Figure 15 Total ion chromatograms of emitted VOCs from ourprototype No.2, by TD-GC/MS.

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Table 8Emission factor of formaldehyde and four VOCs
from our prototype No.2 (Toluen-controlled).
Emission factor (μg/(m2h))
TargetMeasurement results according to JIS A 1901

☆☆☆☆

1 day

3 days7 days 24 days 30 days

Formaldehyde

5 or
below

0.84

0.62

0.07

*

*

Toluene

38 or
below

17.2

10.6

7.8

-

3.0

Xylene120 or
below

0.34

0.23

0.21

-

0.08

Ethylbenzene

550 or
below

0.42

0.31

0.29

-

0.08

Styrene

32 or
below

0.07

0.01

0.01

-

*

Emission factors of toluene µg/(m2h)*: Less than determinate quantity limit-: Not measured

350
300
250
200

Prototype (No.1)
Toluene-controlled
prototype (No.2)

150
100
50
0

0

10

20

30

40

Experiment Days for emission test

Figure 16 Comparison for emission factors of toluene fromour prototype No.1 and No.2.

4.5

Overview for the Development of Fireproof Putty
for Building Ductwork
1) Target values were achieved for toluene-controlled
prototype No. 2.
2) Further consideration on selection of materials andon manufacturing conditions is our challenge for the
reduction of VOCs even for non-targeted chemicalmaterials.
3) Commercialization of the product is targeted for fiscal 2010.

5.

The wire harness is our product which comprises abundle of cables settled in the vehicle cabin to transfer
electric signals and electric power. Thus it is called the“nerves of automobile” or the “blood vessels.” We havebeen striving for a VOC reduction for these components.
For example, some of the materials used in the ink printed
on the surface of cables contain VOCs. These materials
have been replaced with lower VOC materials which are
now applied to such products.
We introduce an example of the procedures for VOC
and aldehyde analyses by sampling bag method which
was adopted by automobile manufacturer A:
Cut out the tip of a resin bag with a 10-liter capacity. Put
2the test specimen (surface area 80 cm ) into the bag. Seal
the cut-out part with a bag clip. Expel all air from the bag
and fill it with nitrogen, and repeat this action three times.
Then make sure that the bag is filled with 4 liters of nitrogen gas. Perform a closed-vessel heating test at 65°C for
2 hours (see Figure 17). After the test, collect 1 liter fromthe bag into a Tenax tube and set it to the measurement
by Thermal desorption-GC/MS. Collect the remaining 3
liters in a DNPH cartridge and set the acetonitrile extract
to HPLC analysis.
Next, we introduce VOC measurement procedures forvehicle cabin components with the closed chamber method specified by automobile manufacturer B. The sample
taken here is a steering roll connector (SRC). SRC is arolling connector mounted on a steering wheel part,which transmits electric signals from a collision sensor to
the airbag and conveys electric power to cause the airbag
inflator to explode. Our products dominate the world market partly because of our low VOC line-up.
First, one unit of the sample is set in a 20-liter chamber.
The air in the chamber is ventilated with clean air of 50%
R.H. Then the chamber is closed and heated at 65°C for 1
hour. 1 liter of the air is collected in a Tenax TA tube, and10 liters of the air are collected in a DNPH cartridge. The
collected air is analyzed respectively.

WIRE HARNESS, SRC (VEHICLE CABINCOMPONENTS)

With the concept that the vehicle cabin atmosphere is nodifferent from the indoor atmosphere, JAMA has set a
self-imposed regulation since April 2007. The regulation
aims at maintaining the concentration of VOC and aldehyde emission inside the cabin of passenger vehicles for
the Japanese market at levels below the guideline values
released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. For themeasuring method of VOCs and aldehyde for automotive
components of the vehicle cabin, JASO has specified thesampling bag method as the industry standard (Table 4
JASO M902).

Figure 17 Sampling bag.

6.

HEAT CONDUCTIVE PARTS AND
ELECTROMAGNETIC SHIELDING
MATERIALS (FOR ELECTRICAL AND
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT)

We manufacture heat conductive parts (product name:
F-CO TM Sheet) and electromagnetic shielding materials
for electrical and electronic equipment. We are promoting

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technical innovation for lower VOCs for those products aswell. Some electrical and electronic equipment aredesigned with a waterproof and airtight feature appropriate for daily use (meaning such cases as spilling juice on
the equipment). All of the parts in outdoor monitors, forexample, have such waterproof and airtight designs,
which may result in VOC emission caused by a rise intemperature during operation of the product. This emission might in turn cause deterioration of product performance or safety, which is what we want to avoid.
For equipment such as personal computers and televisions, JIS C 9913 specifies VOC and aldehyde measuringmethods. Assuming indoor atmosphere, it specifies thetemperature and humidity conditions for the emission test
to be 23°C and 50% R.H. (28°C and 50% R.H. is acceptable), an air exchange rate of 0.5 time/h or 1 time/h, and asampling volume of 0.01 < the volume of measured
equipment / the volume of the chamber < 0.25.
Evaluation of VOCs and aldehyde on our heat conductive parts and electromagnetic shielding materials is either
based on the specification of JIS C 9913 or based on theassumption of the temperature rise during operation of
the product, depending on the situation.

7. OTHER - ANALYSIS WITH A 150-LITERCHAMBERWe have a stainless chamber with a volume of 150 liters
to prepare for the measurement of relatively large products (Figure 18). It has a capacity large enough to accommodate an entire personal computer, and has a cable
inlet to enable emission tests on energized equipment.
With 150-liter chamber, we can evaluate the whole wire
harness with the closed chamber method.

Considering that VOC emission and contamination startright after manufacturing, we wrap up samples with aluminum foil to shield them from light, put them in a polyethylene bag with a zipper, and store them in a cool place
avoiding direct sunlight until measurement of the samples.
2) Difference in analysis results caused by manufacturing process
There are cases in which the results of detected toluene
largely differed from sample to sample. In our investigation of manufacturing sites, we found that the viscosity of
raw materials is adjusted by adding toluene in the manufacturing line to prevent solidification with the passage oftime, and that it was not an error in the analyzed data.
3) Points to note on sampling bag method
Since the sampling bag is made of resin, emission ofchemical substances from the bag itself need to be considered. In order to eliminate N,N-dimethylacetamide andphenol emission from the Tedlar bag, we performed thetest after a heating operation applying clean air to theTedlar bag.
4) Use of acetonitrile for aldehyde analysis
For acetonitrile extraction of a DNPH cartridge, acetonitrile for aldehyde analysis should be used. We have
tried less expensive acetonitrile intended for environmental analyses, but discontinued its use because of the highblank value of acetaldehyde.
5) Headspace method mainly as simplified VOC analysis
While the Headspace method is useful for simple andprompt VOC analyses or a brief view of manufacturingconditions, we would like to note that it is almost impossible to make an absolute quantitative judgment with thismethod.
Quantitative determination can be performed only whenthe volatile composition of a sample (solid or liquid) isvaporized and in equilibrium (gas-solid equilibrium or
gas-liquid equilibrium). Generally, equilibrium is notreached with raw materials such as a resin pellet. Even if
equilibrium is reached, the distribution coefficient will bedifferent between the raw material matrix and the productmatrix.

9. CONCLUSIONS
Figure 18 150-liter stainless chamber.

8.

POINTS TO CONSIDER ON VOC AND
ALDEHYDE ANALYSES

We list five points of consideration observed during VOC
and aldehyde analyses of our products.
1) Contamination of products and storage
Toluene is sometimes detected in products whichshould have no toluene in the materials. In our investigation, absorption or contamination of toluene to the product is suspected to occur in manufacturing where toluene
is used in other lines or in storage, for example.

To develop eco-friendly and safe products, optimum
selection and control of raw materials and of manufacturing conditions are essential for the reduction of VOCs.
Therefore, we have built these VOC analytical techniques. We would like to make the most of such analyticaltechniques, and further enhance them in order to continue to make excellent products.

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REFERENCES
1) Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare; “Summary of the 8th and9th Interim Reports of Investigation Commission on Sick House
Syndrome,” February 8, 2002. (in Japanese)2) Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; Paragraph
7, Article 20 of the Ordinance of Building Standard Law, “TechnicalStandard for Formaldehyde in Construction Materials for Buildings
with Living Space.” (in Japanese)3) Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism;“Examination Standard for Formaldehyde Emitting Construction
Materials,” June 26, 2003. (in Japanese)4) Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology;“Standards of School Environmental Sanitation: Atmosphere in theClass Rooms,” February 10, 2004. (in Japanese)
5) Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association; “Automobiles andEnvironment: Voluntary Activities for Reducing In-Vehicle VOC
Emission.” (in Japanese)
6) Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries

Association; “Guidelines for VOCs from Personal Computers.” (inJapanese)
7) JIS A 1901:2003; Determination of the emission of volatile organic
compounds and aldehydes for building products -- Small chamber
method8) JIS C 9913:2008; Measuring method of volatile organic compounds
and carbonyl compounds emissions for electronic equipment -Chamber method
9) JASO Standards No. M902-07; “Road vehicles － Interior parts andmaterials － Measurement methods of diffused volatile organic
compounds (VOC)”
10) Study Group for Standardizing VOCs Emission Factors from
Construction Materials, Japan Testing Center for Construction
Materials; “Standard for VOCs Emission Factors from Construction
Materials.” Formulated on April 1, 2008. (in Japanese)
11) Japanese Standards Association; How-to-Use-JIS Series, “The
Small Chamber Method Serving for Countermeasures against Sick
House Syndrome,” Practical Guide for JIS A1901. (in Japanese)

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