Overview
EN ISO 16000-10:2006 - Indoor air, Part 10 (CEN adoption of ISO 16000-10:2006) specifies a laboratory emission test cell method for determining the area specific emission rate of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from newly produced building products and furnishings under defined climate conditions. The standard produces emission data that can be used to model indoor concentrations in a model room. It can, in principle, be applied to aged products. Although an emission test cell can be used non‑destructively on-site, procedures for in‑building measurements are not described in this standard. The method is also applicable to wood‑based panels and can be used to determine formaldehyde emission rates (measurement details for formaldehyde are covered by related parts of ISO 16000).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Purpose and scope: laboratory determination of area specific emission rates (mass per area per time) for VOCs from building products and furnishing.
- Emission test cell definition: a small chamber placed on a product surface so the specimen surface becomes part of the cell interior.
- Apparatus and system: emission test cell system design, air supply, flow control and measurement, and sampling outlets.
- Test conditions: specified climate and ventilation parameters (temperature, humidity, air change/flow rates, product loading) to ensure reproducible results.
- Specimen preparation and handling: sampling, storage and preparation of test specimens are referenced (see ISO 16000-11).
- Verification and QA/QC: verification of test conditions, recovery checks and system performance criteria; Annex A addresses quality assurance/quality control.
- Data and calculations: procedures to calculate area specific emission rates, expression of results, and use of emission data to model concentrations in a model room.
- Reporting and performance: required information in the test report and performance characteristics for test systems. Annex C provides an example of an emission test cell and Annex B offers model room air flow examples.
Applications and who uses it
This standard is essential for:
- Indoor air quality (IAQ) consultants and environmental testing laboratories for standardized VOC emission testing.
- Manufacturers and product developers to evaluate and reduce emissions from building materials and furnishings.
- Regulators, certifiers and green building programs that require repeatable emission data for product classification, labeling or compliance.
- Building professionals and architects who need emission data to assess potential indoor concentrations and human exposure.
Practical uses include product R&D, pre‑market screening, compliance testing, and input to indoor air quality models.
Related standards
Keywords: indoor air, EN ISO 16000-10:2006, VOC emission testing, emission test cell, area specific emission rate, building products, formaldehyde, IAQ testing.
