Estimate of Acetaldehyde Concentration in a Full-scale Testing Room Based on the Emission Factors of Wood-based Materials Obtained Using the Small Chamber Method

A numerical model of indoor air concentration, which was calculated from the mass balance of the testing room and time-emission-factor relationships obtained by the small chamber method, was studied. To predict concentrations in environments with different loading factors, the relationship between acetaldehyde concentration and loading factors was also studied. Acetaldehyde emissions from plywood, particleboard, and MDF (medium density fiberboard) were measured using the 20-L small chamber method with several loading factors. Emission factors of wood-based interior materials such as plywood, LVL (laminated veneer lumber), composite flooring, and wallpaper-covered plywood were measured in both small chambers and a full-scale testing room. Under a constant ventilation rate, acetaldehyde concentration was proportional to loading factors but emission factors were independent of loading factors. The acetaldehyde concentration model for the testing room was based on parameters acquired from the small chamber measurements. Predicted values were in accordance with measured values in the testing room.