EMISSIONS TESTING

emissions testing

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EMISSIONS TESTING

Capital Testing offers accredited formaldehyde emissions testing as specified in the CARB 93120 ATCM and EPA TSCA Title VI regulations. We test hardwood plywood, medium density fiberboard, and particleboard for certification purposes, but we also offer verification testing of residential and commercial building materials, kitchen cabinets, engineered wood flooring, and more. Our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the correct test method to suit your needs.

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ASTM E1333 Standard Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Concentrations in Air and Emission Rates from Wood Products Using a Large Chamber

Considered the “gold” standard when it comes to formaldehyde emissions testing. In fact, laboratories wishing to operate ASTM D6007 small chambers for regulatory purposes must first prove their small chambers yield “equivalent” results to an ASTM E1333 large chamber. This is done by testing multiple sets of material in both chambers and submitting the results to a regulatory body for statistical conformation of equivalency.

Capital Testing operates two large chambers here at our headquarters in Sterling, VA. While the results are second to none, the significant amount of material required (~30-60 sq.ft.) compared to the D6007 small chamber makes this test most attractive to our manufacturing clients, as well as those interested in testing large-scale product installations such as flooring, kitchen cabinets, or furniture.

ASTM D6007 Standard Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Concentrations in Air from Wood Products Using a Small-Scale Chamber

Requiring substantially less material to run (~3-5 sq.ft.), this method is an effective alternative to the ASTM E1333 large chamber as long as the chambers have been verified “equivalent” (see ASTM E1333 description above). Fortunately, Capital Testing has verified equivalency of all of our small chambers at multiple levels of formaldehyde emissions, meaning we can confidently test all manner of regulated composite wood products (e.g. hardwood plywood, particleboard, MDF and thin MDF), in addition to finished wood products such as engineered wood flooring, cabinetry and furniture components.

Capital Testing currently operates six equivalent small chambers. This test method is very popular among a variety of clients: manufacturers, retailers, or distributors of finished goods who wish to verify their suppliers’ emissions compliance claims; composite wood product manufacturers interested in testing a new adhesive formulation; and even homeowners concerned about the level of formaldehyde emissions that may be emitting from various products in their home.

ASTM D5582 Standard test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Levels from Wood Products Using a Desiccator

Typically utilized as a quality control test by composite wood product manufacturers, this method is prized for its quick turn-around time and low cost. However, this method's results are most useful when they have been correlated to either the ASTM D6007 Small Chamber or ASTM E1333 Large Chamber.

Capital Testing currently operates 18 desiccators. Typical clients for this test method are composite wood product manufacturers participating in our CARB / EPA TSCA Title VI Formaldehyde Emissions Certification Program.

If you think you need formaldehyde emissions or other volatile organic compound (VOC) testing but don’t know which method to choose, don’t worry! Give us a call or send us a message and our knowledgeable staff will help you select the correct test method to suit your needs.