ANSI/BIFMA M7.

1-2007

The Industry Voice for Workplace Solutions

Standard Test Method

For Determining VOC Emissions From
Office Furniture Systems, Components And Seating
 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

American National Standard

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

American National Standard

for Office Furnishings

Standard Test Method

For Determining VOC Emissions From
Office Furniture Systems, Components And Seating

Sponsor
BIFMA International
2680 Horizon Drive SE Suite A1
Grand Rapids, MI 49546-7500
email@bifma.org
www.bifma.org

Approved September 5, 2007

American National Standards Institute
 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

Foreword

The material presented in this standard test method was developed as a result of the
efforts of the members of BIFMA International and reviewed by a broad
representation of interested parties, government organizations, interior design
organizations, and commercial testing and procurement organizations.

The original work on this standard test method was completed in June 2005 by the
BIFMA Subcommittee on Furniture Emissions Standards. The Subcommittee is
conducting reviews of the proposed standard test method to ensure that the tests
accurately describe the proper means of evaluating Volatile Organic Compound
emissions from Panel Systems, Desk Type products, Seating and related products.

BIFMA International would especially like to thank Dr. Jianshun (Jensen) Zhang of
the Building Energy and Environmental Systems Laboratory (BEESL) of Syracuse
University for providing extensive technical leadership and guidance throughout the
development of this standard test method. BIFMA International would also like to
thank the highly qualified individuals who participated in the development of this new
standard test method as technical peer reviewers:

• Leon Alevantis1, MS, PE, California Department of Health Services

• Dr. Marilyn Black, Air Quality Sciences
• Al Hodgson, Berkeley Analytical Associates
• Bob Magee, National Research Council of Canada
• Mark Mason, US EPA Air Pollution and Control Division.
• Dr. Bruce Tichenor, Consultant, (retired US EPA)

Technical peer reviewers were not given editorial authority but their comments and
review were thoroughly considered and addressed by Dr. Zhang and the members of
the BIFMA Subcommittee on Furniture Emissions Standards.

1
Although Mr. Alevantis is employed by the California Department of Health Services, he participated as a
BIFMA technical peer reviewer on his own personal time and as such his views and opinions are solely his, are
based on information available in the public domain, and do not necessarily represent the views of the California
Department of Health Services or those of the State of California.
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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

This proposed new standard test method was submitted to the membership of
BIFMA International and approved in September 2005. BIFMA conducted a public
review and canvass of this document by interested parties and stakeholders in
accordance with the procedures BIFMA maintains as an ANSI accredited standards
developer. After completion of the public review and canvass process, the proposed
standard test method was submitted to the American National Standards Institute
and approved as an American National Standard.

Suggestions for the improvement of this standard test method are welcome. The
suggestions should be sent to email@bifma.org or BIFMA International, 2680
Horizon SE, Suite A1, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

3
 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

A BIFMA STANDARD TEST METHOD2 FOR DETERMINING VOC EMISSIONS FROM

OFFICE FURNITURE SYSTEMS, COMPONENTS AND SEATING

TABLE OF CONTENT

1. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS................................................................................................................................. 5

2. REFERENCED STANDARDS ............................................................................................................................. 6
3. TERMINOLOGY .................................................................................................................................................... 7
4. SUMMARY OF STANDARD TEST METHOD ................................................................................................... 9
5. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE ................................................................................................................................... 9
6. PRINCIPLES ....................................................................................................................................................... 10
7. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT ......................................................................................................................... 14
8. COLLECTION AND PREPARATION OF THE TEST SPECIMEN ................................................................. 18
9. TEST PROCEDURE ........................................................................................................................................... 20
10. DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION .................................................................................................. 22
11. COMPLIANCE, RETESTING AND TIMING .................................................................................................. 26
12. LABORATORY TEST REPORT ..................................................................................................................... 26
13. QUALITY CONTROL AND QUALITY ASSURANCE .................................................................................. 28
14. KEYWORDS .................................................................................................................................................... 30
APPENDIX 1 AN EXAMPLE OF CONCENTRATION AND EMISSION LIMITS IN RELEVANT RATING
SYSTEMS AND GUIDES ........................................................................................................................................ 31
APPENDIX 2 DEFINITION OF STANDARD WORKSTATION SYSTEMS ....................................................... 32
APPENDIX 3 A TYPICAL TIMELINE FOR OFFICE WORKSTATION ORDERING, MANUFACTURING,
AND SHIPPING ........................................................................................................................................................ 40
APPENDIX 4 TARGET LIST OF VOCS FOR QUANTIFICATION BY GC/MS ANALYSES ......................... 42
APPENDIX 5 VOC EMISSION RATES AS A FUNCTION OF TIME---TYPICAL TRENDS .......................... 45
APPENDIX 6 SCREENING ANALYSIS PROCEDURE ....................................................................................... 48
APPENDIX 7 SAMPLE TABLES FOR REPORTING THE TEST RESULTS .................................................... 49
APPENDIX 8 SAMPLE TIMING CONSTRAINTS ................................................................................................ 53

2
The document is called a standard Test Method per the BIFMA naming convention. It is equivalent to an
ASTM “Standard Practice” until verification tests are conducted to provide a precision and bias statement on the
test results.
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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

1. Scope and Limitations

1.1 The standard Test Method is intended for determining volatile organic compound
(VOCs including aldehydes) emissions from office furniture and seating under environmental
and product usage conditions that are typical of those found in office buildings.

1.2 The standard Test Method is capable of identifying VOCs emitted and determining
the emission rates for individual compounds and total VOCs that may be selected for the
purpose of product certification, rating, or determination of workstation system, component,
or material emission characteristics.

1.3 The standard Test Method defines standard workstation systems and their
components, and describes specific procedures for specimen collection and preparation, pre-
conditioning, environmental chamber testing, air sampling and analysis, data interpretation,
estimation of the impact of the emissions on the VOC concentrations in a defined typical
office environment, and contents to be included in the laboratory report.

1.4 The standard Test Method covers testing of complete workstation systems,
individual pieces of furniture (workstation components or seating), and individual material
components of furniture or partitions (fabrics, desktops, panels, etc.), and describes the use
of emission factors from these items generated in environmental chamber tests in order to
estimate the impact of VOC emissions from these items on airborne VOC concentrations in a
typical office environment.

1.5 While the standard Test Method is focused on the office environment, the principles
for chamber testing can be applied to furniture used in other environments such as home
offices and schools. For these applications, a procedure remains to be developed for
estimating the impact of the furniture on the VOC concentrations considering the specific
nature of furniture plan, quantity, room size and ventilation conditions typically encountered
in these environments.

1.6 The standard Test Method does not specify or recommend limits of emission rates or
concentrations in office environments, while the data obtained by the standard Test Method
can be used to determine if the furniture or seating tested meet any applicable acceptance
criteria for VOC emissions established elsewhere (some example rating systems and guides
for VOC acceptance criteria are listed in Appendix 1). The standard Test Method may be
used as part of a certification program (s) by manufacturers or third parties.

1.7 This standard Test Method does not purport to address the safety problems
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of user of this standard Test Method to
establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use. This standard Test Method does not address the assessment of
potential odors produced by workstation systems or their components.

1.8 Materials presented in the appendices are for information only, and are not part of
the standard Test Method unless specifically referenced in the main body of the standard
Test Method.

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

2. Referenced Standards

2.1 ASTM Standards

D1356 Terminology Related to Atmospheric Sampling and Analysis

D1605 Practices for Sampling Atmospheres for Analysis of Gases and Vapor
D1914 Practice for Conversion Units and Factors Related to Atmospheric Analysis
D3609 Practice for Calibration Techniques Using Permeation Tubes
D5116 Standard Guide for Small Scale Environmental Chamber Determinations of Organic
Emissions from Indoor Materials/Products
D5197 Test Method for Determination of Formaldehyde and Other Carbonyl Compounds in Air
(Active Sampler Methodology)
D6196 Practice for the Selection of Sorbents and Pumped Sampling/Thermal Desorption
Analysis Procedures for Volatile Organic Compounds in Air
D6345 Guide for Selection of Methods for Active, Integrative Sampling of Volatile Organic
Compounds in Air
D6670 Standard Practice for Full-Scale Chamber Determinations of Volatile Organic
Emissions from Indoor Materials/Products
E355 Practice for Gas Chromatography Terms and Relationships
E380 Practice for Use of the International System of Units (SI)
E741 Test Method for Determining Air Change in a Single Zone by Means of Tracer
Gas Dilution
E779 Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization
E1333 Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Concentrations in Air and Emission
Rates from Wood Products Using a Large Chamber

2.2 Other Documents

ASHRAE 2004. ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004. Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality.
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. Atlanta,
GA.
ASHRAE 1995. Clean spaces. ASHRAE Handbook: HVAC Applications. Chapter 15.
ASHRAE, 1791 Tullie Circle, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329.
BIFMA 2003. White Paper on Office Furniture – Test Protocol for Emissions of
Formaldehyde, Total Aldehydes, and TVOCs. BIFMA International, 2680 Horizon
Drive Suite A1, Grand Rapids MI 49546.
California 2000. California Government Offices Purchase Criteria Environmental
Specifications for Office Furniture Systems.
(http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/deodc/ehlb/iaq/VOCS/workstation.pdf)
California 2004. Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic Emissions from Various
Sources Using Small-Scale Environmental Chambers (Supercedes previous versions
of small-scale environmental chamber testing portion of California Specification
01350), July 15, 2004. (http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/deodc/ehlb/iaq/VOCS/Practice.htm)
CIB (Conseil International du Bâtiment) 2004. Performance Criteria of Buildings for Health
and Comfort. CIB Report, Publication 292. ISBN 90-6363-038-7.
EPA TO-1, TO-11, and TO-17. Compendium of Methods for the Determination of Toxic
Organic Compounds in Ambient Air. By R.M. Riggin, W.T. Winberry, and N.T.
Murphy. Report EPA-600/4-89/017: NTIS-PB90-116989. Atmospheric Research and
Exposure Assessment Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, NC. June 1988.
EPA/RTI ETV 1999. Large Chamber Protocol for Measuring Emissions of VOCs and
Aldehydes from Office Workstations

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

(http://www.epa.gov/etv/test_plan.htm#prevention or
http://etv.rti.org/iap/documents.cfm).
ECA-IAQ (European Collaborative Action) 1997. Indoor Air Quality and Its Impact on
Man---Total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) in indoor air quality
investigations. Report No. 19. EUR 17675 EN. Luxembourg: Office for Official
Publications of the European Community.
NIOSH Method 2016, NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods, Fourth Edition, Third
Supplement (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nmam/pdfs/2016.pdf)
SCS-EC-10-2004. Scientific Certification Systems Product Certification Program—Indoor Air
Quality Performance. Scientific Certification Systems, 2000 Powell Street Suite 1350,
Emeryville, CA 94608. (http://www.scscertified.com/iaq/index.html)
U.S. EPA Emissions Testing Requirements for Office Furniture Procurement, New
Headquarters Project, 1996.
USGBC 2004 LEED-CI: Green Building Rating System for Commercial Interiors (June 12,
2004 Public Review Version 061004)
World Health Organization, 1989. ‘Indoor Air Quality: Organic Pollutants.’ EURO Reports
and Studies No. 111, World Health Organization, Copenhagen, pp. 1-64.

3. Terminology

3.1 Definitions — Unless otherwise specified in this document, the definitions and terms
in this document follow those used within ASTM standards. For an explanation of
definitions, units, symbols, and conversion factors, refer to ASTM Practice D1914 and ASTM
D1356.

3.2 Descriptions of Terms Specific to This Standard Test Method:

3.2.1 Clean Air Change Rate, N—The flow rate of clean air (as defined in 7.6) measured
in m3/h, supplied into the chamber divided by the net air volume (m3) of the environmental
test chamber (i.e., volume of an empty chamber minus the volume taken by all contents in
the chamber during testing such as the test specimen, sampling ports. The clean air flow
rate may be measured directly at the clean air supply duct. The clean air change rate can
also be determined by conducting a tracer gas test (e.g., a tracer gas decay test) in the
chamber per ASTM E741. Note that the air change rate (in units of 1/h) is abbreviated as
ACH. Airflow rate in units of liters per second is abbreviated as L/s, and units of cubic feet
per minute is abbreviated as cfm.

3.2.2 Emission Factor, E—The mass of an analyte emitted per unit time and per unit
amount of source tested. Depending on the type of source, the emission rate (3.2.3) of the
source may be normalized by its exposed surface area (i.e., an area source such as a fabric
or vinyl covered panel surface), its dominant dimension (i.e., a line source such as a caulk or
sealant), its mass, or its standard setup (i.e., a “unit” source such as a predefined workstation
system or chair). As a result, the unit for the emission factor will be mg/(“unit” h), mg/(m h),
mg/(m2h), mg/(kg h), and mg/(m3h) for the “unit,” line, area, mass, and volume emission
sources, respectively.

3.2.3 Emission Rate, R—The mass of an analyte emitted from all test specimen(s)
present in the space per unit time, mg/h.

3.2.4 Full-scale Chamber—A room-size chamber that can house the material/product to
be tested in its real assembled dimensions, and provide the required environmental
conditions (temperature, relative humidity, and air mixing) that are similar to the
material/product use in full-scale room conditions (refer to Section 7.2).
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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

3.2.5 Loading Ratio, L—The total amount of test specimen in a chamber or building
space divided by the net air volume of the environmental test chamber in 1/m3, m/m3, m2/m3,
and m3/m3 for unit, line, area, and volume emission sources, respectively (refer to Section
3.2.2).

3.2.6 Lower Limits of Quantitation (LOQ) —A lower LOQ often is quantitatively defined as
the analyte mass that produces a response that is 10 times higher than the instrumental
noise level or is 10 times the standard deviation for repeated analyses of a low level
standard. A lower LOQ that is higher than this absolute value may be defined based on
practical considerations.

3.2.7 Manufacture Date—The date on which all manufacturing steps required to make a
product (workstation system, workstation, component, chair, or material) are completed and
the product is ready for shipment to a distribution warehouse, dealer, or customer site.

3.2.8 Mid-scale Chamber—A chamber with sufficient volume for testing individual
components of an office workstation system (e.g., a desk, a file cabinet, a partition panel) or
a single chair that can provide the required environmental conditions (temperature, relative
humidity, and air mixing) that are similar to the conditions for product use in a full-scale room
(refer to Section 7.3).

3.2.9 Small-scale chamber—A chamber that is suitable for testing an individual material
specimen, and can provide controlled environmental conditions (temperature, relative
humidity, and air mixing) (refer to Section 7.4).

3.2.10 Time Zero—The time when the chamber door is closed and sealed immediately
after the test specimens are installed in the chamber.

3.2.11 Total Volatile Organic Compound (TVOC)—The sum of, or the integrated
concentrations of, all individual VOCs captured from air by a given sorbent, or a given
combination of several sorbents, thermally desorbed into and eluted from a given gas
chromatographic system, and measured by a given detector. For VOC definition, see
Terminology in ASTM D1356. A measure of the TVOC is highly method specific. In this
standard Test Method, it is quantified in two different approaches.

3.2.11.1 TVOCToluene—Calculated as the integrated concentration of all the captured

compounds between n-C6 and n-C16 using the response factor of Toluene as measured by
the GC/MS total-ion-current (TIC) method.

3.2.11.2 TVOCSumVOC—Calculated as the sum of concentrations of all the captured

compounds between n-C6 and n-C16 using response factors of representative compounds
selected for each chemical class (refer to Section 7.9.2).

3.2.12 Tracer Gas—A generally non-adsorbing gaseous compound that can be used to
determine the mixing characteristics of the test chamber and as a cross-check of the
chamber air change rate. The tracer gas must not be emitted by the test specimen and must
not be present normally in the supply air.

3.2.13 Workstation system---A collection of furniture (excluding seating) that forms a

complete office work space for an individual occupant. Workstation systems can be panel
based or freestanding (refer to Appendix 2).

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3.2.14 Workstation component---A complete workstation assembly that is part of the

workstation system as defined (e.g. an assembled work surface, desktop, panel, file cabinet,
binder bin, or shelf).

3.2.15 Workstation component material (in short, Component Material)---an individual or

composite piece of material used to make up a workstation component or seating product
(e.g. fabric, fiberglass, particleboard, foam with or without surface materials, etc.).

4. Summary of Standard Test Method

A complete workstation system is received by the testing laboratory not more than 15 days
after the manufacture date of the first workstation component. All components of the system
shall be packaged with the most air-tight method used by the manufacturer in its normal
commercial shipping practice. Upon receipt, all components shall be stored in a conditioned
and ventilated room of 23±3oC and 50%±15% RH without unpacking. Within 10 days of
receiving the last component of a system at the testing laboratory, all system components
shall be unpacked and installed in a full-scale chamber of 20 to 55 m3 in volume. The
components will remain in the chamber for 3 days conditioning and 4 days of testing under
tightly controlled environmental conditions of 23±1.0oC, 50%±5% RH, and a ventilation rate
set point between 6 to 10 L/s (or approximately 12 to 20 cfm) ±3% (equivalent to 0.65 to 1.09
ACH for a 33.0 m3 chamber) for a total of 7 days (168 hours). Duplicate air samples (two or
more) are taken from the exhaust or return air duct of the test chamber at the 72nd and 168th
hour. Sample tubes from the air samples are analyzed by appropriate methods to identify the
various emitted VOCs and to measure the mass of these VOCs collected to calculate the air
concentrations. The concentrations are then used to calculate emission rates at the 72nd and
168th hour assuming a quasi steady-state condition. The emission rates for individual VOCs
are used to determine the two constant parameters of a power-law model. The power law
model is used to estimate the room concentrations for various early-occupancy time points
(e.g., 14 days) that would result when the workstation is installed in a typical office
environment as defined in this standard Test Method (Appendix 8 provides an overview of
the specimen collection, shipping, storage, conditioning and testing schedule).

Individual workstation components and chairs are tested in a mid-scale or full-scale

environmental chamber with the same storage, conditioning and testing conditions as for the
whole workstation system testing except that the source amount specific ventilation rate is a
quarter of that for the workstation system testing (i.e., 1.25 to 2.5 L/s or approximately 2.5 to
5 cfm per unit of furniture or chair, which are equivalent to 0.9 to 1.5 ACH for an 6.0 m3
chamber).

Component materials may be tested using small chambers of 0.05 to 0.1 m3 chamber
operated at 1.0 ACH and loading ratio of 0.3 to 0.7 m2/m3 following the guidance of ASTM
D5116.

5. Significance and Use

5.1 Use of Method

The calculated VOC concentrations under the standard workstation/seating and office
environmental conditions defined in this standard Test Method are intended to be used for
determining compliance with emission requirements established by government agencies,
other organizations, clients, etc.

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

5.1.1 Full Scale Chamber

Full-scale chamber test results can be used to determine the VOC emission rates of
complete workstation systems, workstation components, and seating to estimate their impact
on the VOC concentration level in a typical office environment.

5.1.2 Mid Scale Chamber

Mid-scale chamber test results can be used to determine the VOC emission rates of
workstation components and seating to estimate their impact on the VOC concentration level
in a typical office environment. The mid-scale chamber test results may also be used to to
demonstrate compliance by calculating the impact of individual or multiple workstation
components on the VOC emission rates for a complete workstation system as described in
10.6. It can also be used to determine whether an alternate workstation component or
material would significantly impact the workstation system compliance

5.1.3 Small Scale Chamber

The small-scale chamber test results for component materials (fabric, fiberglass,
particleboard, foam, etc.) provide emission rate data for quality control, screening, and
estimating the impact of alternative materials on the overall emissions from the workstation
components or seating. Small-scale chamber test(s) for a material(s) to be replaced should
be conducted in conjunction with the full-scale chamber test, and with specimens from the
same batch/lot. Small-scale chamber testing of alternative component materials can be
done at a later time in order to compare the emissions to the originally tested material and its
impact on the emission from the complete workstation system or component. It is allowable
to test duplicate samples of original materials at a later time if the materials have not
changed.

6. Principles

6.1 Determination of the Emission Rates

It is assumed in this standard Test Method that: (1) the air concentration in the test
chamber is perfectly mixed so that the concentration at the chamber’s exhaust is the same
as that inside the chamber; (2) the adsorption of VOCs on the chamber’s interior surfaces
(i.e., sink effect) is negligible; (3) there are no chemical reactions or interactions among any
of the VOCs present inside the chamber; (4) the chamber is air tight; and (5) the air supplied
to the chamber is clean. Under these assumptions, the concentration of any VOC emitted
from the test specimen(s) is governed by the following mass balance equation:

dC (t )
V = AE (t ) ! QC (t ) (1)
dt

where,

V = air volume of the chamber excluding air volume taken by test specimens, m3;
t = time, h;
C(t) = concentration of the emitted VOC in the air exhausted from the chamber (can be
measured at the chamber return or exhaust air ducts), mg/m3;
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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

A = amount of the source(s), 1, m, m2, kg, and m3, for the “unit,” line, area, mass, and
volume emission sources, respectively;
E(t) = emission factor of the source(s) in the chamber, mg/h, mg/(m h), mg/(m2h),
mg/(kg h), and mg/(m3h) for the “unit,” line, area, mass, and volume emission
sources, respectively; and
Q = clean air flow rate supplied to the chamber (measured at clean air supply duct
or determined by a tracer gas test), m3/h.

Equation (1) states that the rate of change in mass of a VOC in the chamber is equal to
the rate of emission from the source minus the rate at which the VOC is removed by
ventilation. At steady state or when the emission rate changes very slowly with time (which is
the case for furniture after a certain initial emission/conditioning period), the term on the left
hand side of the equation is negligible, resulting:

Q
E (t ) ! C (t ) = q A C (t ) (2)
A

where,

qA = Q/A is the source amount specific ventilation rate, m3/h, m3/(h m), m3/(h m2), m3/(h
kg), m3/(h m3) for the “unit,” line, area, mass, and volume emission sources,
respectively. It is also equal to the clean air change rate (N=Q/V) divided by the
chamber loading ratio (L=A/V).

From a testing point of view, it is desirable to maintain the similar qA value so that a
similar concentration level can be obtained for the same emission source regardless of
chamber volume, air change rate and loading ratio. A similar concentration level in the
chamber would reduce the test variability in sampling and analysis as well as the effect of
back pressure on the emission rate.

For this standard Test Method, the source amount specific ventilation rate shall have a
set point between 6.0-10.0 L/s (12-20 cfm) per workstation system. The lower bound of
ventilation rate (12 cfm) is between the 8.4 cfm prescribed for the “typical open plan office
environment of a single workstation system” and the 20.4 cfm prescribed for the “typical
private office environment of a single workstation system” as defined in Section 6.5. The
specified range of flow rate for testing is to facilitate accurate control and measurement of the
flow rate in different sizes of chambers applicable to this standard Test Method, while
considering the fact that the back-pressure effect on the emission rate of dry materials is
relatively small, and concentrations can be measured with the same level of accuracy if they
are within the same range (a factor of two for the flow range specified).

In principle, the same range of the source amount specific ventilation rate should be
applied to testing individual workstation components or chairs for the purpose of evaluating
their individual contributions to the VOC concentrations in the office environment. However,
the resulting concentration in the chamber could be too low to be quantified accurately, and it
may pose a difficulty in providing relatively large airflows in a mid-scale chamber (1.0-6.0 m3
in volume) if the flow rate is too high. For this standard Test Method, the source amount
specific ventilation rate for individual workstation components or chairs is specified to be 1/4
of that for the whole workstation system (i.e., 1.5 to 2.5 L/s or approximately 3 to 5 cfm per
unit of furniture or chair, which are equivalent to 0.9 to 1.5 ACH for a 6.0 m3 chamber).

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

The validity of Equations (6.1) and (6.2) depends on how well the chamber’s actual
operation meets these assumptions. Therefore, the performance of the chamber must be
evaluated against established criteria (see Section 7) in order to obtain reliable and
reproducible test results.

6.2 Variables Affecting Emission Rates. Variables affecting emission rates include those
related to the materials/products themselves (emitting source variables) and those related to
the environment within which they are tested or used (environmental variables) as described
in ASTM Standard Practice D6670. The environmental variables shall be controlled to satisfy
the established criteria (see section 7) in order to reduce the uncertainty in the testing
results. For estimating the impact of the workstation systems or seating on the VOC
concentration in an office environment, assumptions have to be made regarding the volume
of the office environment containing the workstation, the size of the workstation and the
number of chairs, clean air flow rate per system, temperature, relative humidity, and air
velocities over emitting surfaces.

6.3 Definition of Standard Workstation Systems. This standard Test Method defines a
Standard Workstation System as one of the systems specified in Appendix 2. For a given
type of workstation system, the calculated emitting surface area shall be within ±5% of those
specified in Appendix 2, Table A 2.1. The workstation systems as defined in Appendix 2 are
used as reference cases for standard testing, comparing the emissions from different
workstation systems, and for estimating their contributions to the VOC concentrations in a
typical office environment. Alternative system configurations may be defined for specific
purposes.

6.4 Effect of Product Age. VOC emission rates of office workstations typically decrease
with time. The age of the office workstation system or seating (i.e., time elapsed from its final
packaging date following manufacture) needs to be defined considering the typical timelines
for delivery and occupancy. For this standard Test Method, the age of the test specimen is
controlled within 10 days prior to chamber conditioning and testing. The emission rate at 14
days following the assembling of the workstation system on site is defined as the time of
interest for early occupancy (Appendix 3).

6.5 Definition of Typical Office Environments for a Single Workstation System. For the
purpose of estimating the impact of systems furniture on the VOC concentrations in office
spaces:

6.5.1 Typical open plan office environment for a single workstation system is defined as
5.94 m2 (64 ft2) floor area by 2.74 m (9 ft) high (576 ft3 or 16.3 m3), accounting for a standard
1.83 m x 1.83 m (6 ft by 6 ft) open plan workstation system (see Section 6.3), traffic area and
support space such as copiers, files, storage, etc. The space is assumed to be occupied by a
single occupant, and has an outdoor or clean air ventilation rate of 4.17 L/s (8.84 cfm), which
is the minimum required outdoor ventilation rate per ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004. The
temperature and humidity are assumed to be 23 oC and 50% RH.

6.5.2 Typical private office environment for a single workstation system is defined as
23.78 m2 (256 ft2) floor area by 2.74 m (9 ft) high (2304 ft3 or 65.2 m3), accounting for a
standard 13.38 m2 (144 ft2) private office workstation system (see Section 6.3), traffic area
and support space such as copiers, files, storage, etc. The space is assumed to be occupied
by a single occupant, and has an outdoor or clean air ventilation rate of 9.63 L/s (20.4 cfm),
which is the minimum required outdoor ventilation rate per ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004.
The temperature and humidity are assumed to be 23oC and 50% RH.

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Note: ASHRAE Standard 62-2004 recommends a minimum ventilation rate of 5 cfm per
person plus 0.06 cfm per square foot of floor area.

6.6 Calculation of Concentrations in a Typical Office Environment due to Emissions from

an Office Workstation System. The emission factor determined from the chamber testing can
be used to calculate the concentration of a VOC emitted from the office workstation system.
Assuming the emission factor only changes very slowly with time, the following equation can
be used to estimate the concentrations in a typical office environment defined in Section 6.5
at the time of interest for early occupancy [i.e., t=336 h (14 days) after the workstation is
installed]:

Ao E14
C14 ! (3)
Qo

where,

C14 = concentration in the defined office environment at the time of early occupancy (14
days after the installation), mg/m3;
Ao = source amount in the office environment (i.e., number of workstation units, and is
equal to 1 in this case);
E14 = estimated emission factor at t=336 h (or 14 days) from Time Zero based on the
chamber testing (See Section 10, mg/h per workstation unit);
Qo = clean air ventilation rate in the office environment, Qo=15.02 m3/h (i.e., 4.17 L/s or
8.84 cfm) for the typical open plan office environment defined in Section 6.5 or
Qo =34.7 m3/h (i.e., 9.63 L/s or 20.4 cfm) for the typical private office environment
defined in Section 6.5.

Note: The power-law model can also be used to predict the emission factor at t<336 h (or 14
days) and t>336 h, depending on the study objective. One should recognize that a larger
predicting error would be associated with a larger time point for prediction beyond the test
period. For this standard Test Method, the power-law model is only used to predict the
emission factor at 14 days or less.

6.7 General Emission Characteristics of Office Furniture and Seating. Many VOCs found
indoors may potentially be emitted from office furniture and seating (Appendix 4). The
emission rate as a function of time can be very different among the VOCs emitted,
depending on the component materials used and the way the materials are assembled.
Typically, the emission rates for VOCs in the outer most layer of a furniture component
decrease from a peak value. Emission rates of VOCs in the inner layers would increase to a
peak value shortly after the workstation systems/components are placed in the chamber for
testing, and then slowly decrease over time (Appendix 5). The time at which the emission
rates reach the peak value may differ among the VOCs emitted from the same workstation
system and among different workstation systems/components, but are typically less than 72
hours from the start of the chamber testing. Emission rates after the peak values typically
can be well represented by a power law function (Appendix 5).

6.8 Important Rationale. The goal of a standard Test Method is to achieve consistent,
accurate, reliable and repeatable test results while making the test procedure practical for
implementation. Important considerations for this standard Test Method development
include:

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6.8.1 Conditioning. A relatively long period (3 days) of specimen conditioning in the test
chamber under the standard test condition is specified to reduce the variability in the test
results that might result from variability in shipping and storage conditions.

6.8.2 Sampling Period. Since this standard Test Method is focused on the determination
of long term emission rates at a time of interest for early occupancy (i.e., 14 days after the
installation), air samples are only required at 72 and 168 hours. Additional air samples may
be taken during the 0 to 72 hours period for other purposes such as in a screening test to
identify/select the compounds of interest and determining a proper sampling volume
(Appendix 6), or evaluation of the acute exposure during the initial emission period.

6.8.3 Prediction Model. Data is measured at the 72nd and 168th hours. The emission
factors determined for these two time points can be directly compared to those specified in a
standard for the same time points. They are also used to determine the coefficients of a
power-law model that is generally valid for passive diffusion-controlled decaying emission
sources such as furniture systems, components and materials. The power-law model is then
used to predict the emission factor at a time of interest for early occupancy (i.e., 14 days), or
any time point between 72 hours and 14 days. In the case that measured data indicate a
non-decaying source, the power-law model shall not be used to predict the emission factor
beyond the test period. Additional data points over a longer testing period (e.g., 14 days)
shall be taken to determine the emission characteristics of the source, and if the emission
factor at a time of interest (e.g., 14th day) complies with pre-selected criteria.

6.8.4 Duplicate (two or more) air samples are taken at both time points to reduce the
uncertainty in the measured emission rates so that the model parameters can be estimated
with a better accuracy and to flag significant experimental errors.

6.8.5 Target VOCs. This standard Test Method specifies a target list of VOCs that the air
sampling and analytical instruments must be able to measure, including those frequently
found in previous furniture emission testing and in indoor air (Appendix 4). Requirements for
the calibration of the analytical systems for formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, TVOCToluene,
TVOCSumVOC, and individual VOC measurements are also specified. However, selection of
specific VOCs to be measured shall be based on the acceptance criteria established by
relevant government agencies, certification and other organizations, clients, etc.

7. Facilities and Equipment

7.1 General Considerations for Chamber System Design, Construction and Performance
Testing. Refer to ASTM D5116 and D6670. This section describes the specific requirements
pertaining to this standard Test Method.

7.2 Full-scale Chamber. For this standard Test Method, a full-scale chamber shall have
minimum dimensions of 3.048 m by 2.743 m by 2.438 m high (i.e., 10 ft by 9 ft by 8 ft high),
which is capable of containing a standard office workstation system that has a 6 ft by 6 ft
footprint or the furniture contained in a 12 ft x 12 ft private office and shall be demonstrated
to provide adequate circulation and mixing in the chamber. The volume of the chamber may
range from 20.0 to 55.0 m3 (720 to 1942 ft3). The source amount specific ventilation rate shall
have a set point between 6.0-10.0 L/s (12-20 cfm), regardless of chamber size, within a
specified range of chamber volume. As an example, the flow rates are equivalent to 0.65 to
1.09 ACH for a 33.0 m3 chamber per workstation system (refer to Section 6.1). The
ventilation rate shall be measured at the standard temperature, humidity and pressure
conditions per Table 1.

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7.3 Mid-scale Chamber. For this standard Test Method, the mid-scale chamber shall
have a minimum volume of 1 m3 (e.g., 1.0 m by 1.0 m by 1.0 m high) to contain at least a
relatively small chair without significant obstruction to air recirculation and mixing in the
chamber. The volume of the chamber may range from 1.0 to 6.0 m3 (35.31 to 211.88 ft3). The
source amount specific ventilation rate per individual workstation components or chairs shall
have a set point between 1.5 to 2.5 L/s (3 to 5 cfm), regardless of chamber size, within a
specified range of chamber volume. As an example, the flow rates are equivalent to 0.9 to
1.5 ACH for a 6.0 m3 chamber. The ventilation rate shall be measured at the standard
temperature, humidity and pressure conditions per Table 1.

7.4 Small-scale chamber -- A chamber that is suitable for testing individual material
specimens, and that can provide the required environmental conditions (temperature, relative
humidity, area specific air flow rate, and air mixing) that are similar to the material/product
use in full-scale room conditions. For this standard Test Method, the small chamber volume
shall be 0.05 to 0.1 m3 operated at 1.0 ACH. The specimen to be tested shall have a size
that results in a loading ratio of 0.3 to 0.7 m2/m3. The ventilation rate shall be measured at
the standard temperature, humidity and pressure conditions per Table 1.

7.5 Construction -- Materials shall be Type 304 or 316 stainless steel. Chambers shall
have No. 4 finishing (a general purpose polished finish that finds wide applications in
restaurant, dairy, food processing, medical, and chemical equipment as well as various
architectural products) as a minimum to minimize the chamber sink effect. The chambers
and their ducts for air recirculation (if any) shall be air tight with a total leakage rate of less
than 3.0% of the testing ventilation rate under 10 Pa pressure differential across the chamber
envelope.

7.6 Clean Air Supply and Conditioning System shall be able to satisfy the following
background concentration criteria:
TVOCToluene ≤ 20 µg/m3;
any individual compound to be measured ≤ 2.0 µg/m3;
particulate ≤ 100 particles/m3 of 0.5 µm diameter or larger, and <0.5 µg/m3 in mass
concentration; and
ozone and other potentially reactive species (NOx, SOx, etc.) shall be <10 µg/m3.

Compliance of the above criteria shall be demonstrated at the initial commissioning and at
annual maintenance/verification of the chamber system. In addition, the compliance for
TVOCtoluene and individual compounds shall be verified prior to every test by taking chamber
background air samples as part of the test procedure (Section 9.1.2) as described in Section
13.

7.7 Air Distribution and Mixing in the Chamber. Air mixing mechanisms (air diffusers or
mixing fans) shall be provided to ensure that the air mixing level as defined in ASTM D6670
is higher than 80%, which corresponds to a concentration non-uniformity of less than 5% in
the chamber. For the full-scale chamber, the mixing test shall be conducted with a mock-up
of the workstation panels and work surfaces shown in any of the example workstations in
Appendix 2 in place. For the mid-scale chamber, the mixing test shall be conducted with a
mock-up of the desk shown in Figure A2.2.5 in place. The mock-up can be the actual
furniture system components or constructed with plywood or other suitable materials as long
as the geometries and dimensions are represented within ±2.0 cm. Air speed at 1.0 cm from
the specimen surfaces shall be less than 0.25 m/s, avoiding a direct air jet on any of the
furniture components. Air speed can be measured using a hand held hot wire or hot sphere
anemometer.
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7.8 Control Accuracy and Precision. Refer to ASTM D6670 for determination of the
control accuracy and precision of the chamber system in terms of airflow rate, temperature,
relative humidity, and pressure. For this standard Test Method, the control accuracy and
precision of the chamber system shall meet the criteria in Table 1 during the entire test
period with a minimum measurement frequency of four samples per hour (i.e., a 15-minute
maximum sampling interval):

Table 1 Required Control Accuracy* and Precision* for Chamber Operation in a 24-Hour
Assessment Test
Parameter Standard Test Control Accuracy, Δ Control Precision, Γ
Condition (expressed as bias)
Temperature, oC 23.0 ±0.5 ±1.0
Relative humidity, % 50.0 ±5 ±5
Chamber pressure 10.0 to 30.0 ±10% of the set point or ±20% of the set point or
**, Pa ±5 Pa, whichever is ±5 Pa, whichever is
greater greater
Airflow rate, L/s 6.0 to 10.0 ±3% of the set point ±5% of the mean value
* Defined as the standard deviations of the measured parameters over a 24 hour
commissioning period in accordance with guidance in ASTM D6670.
** Static chamber pressure referenced to the air pressure outside the chamber.

7.9 Air Sample Collection and Analysis System. Refer to ASTM D5116, D6670, D5197,
D5466, D6196, D6345, and USEPA Methods TO-1 and TO-17 for guidance in selecting
sampling and analysis methods and equipment. This standard Test Method requires two
different methods for air sampling and analysis.

7.9.1 Formaldehyde and acetaldehyde are collected and derivatized on cartridges

containing silica gel coated with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH). The derivatized
compounds are solvent-extracted and determined by high-performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet (UV) or photo-diode array detection. Refer to ASTM
D5197, USEPA Method TO-11, and NIOSH Method 2016 for guidance. Formaldehyde shall
be identified and quantified using a minimum of three calibration points bracketing the
anticipated mass range of formaldehyde using the individual response factor for
formaldehyde. Sample tubes shall be stored in airtight containers and brought to room
temperature prior to use in gas sampling. Sampling flow rate and sampling volume shall be
in accordance with the recommendations of the cartridge supplier and the quantitation limit of
the HPLC system. At a minimum, the parameters must be sufficient to measure analytes
with a lower limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 2 µg m-3. The sampling and measurement method
shall have an accuracy and precision of better than ±15% STD. It is recognized that
unsaturated low molecular weight aldehydes such as Acrolein are not accurately determined
by this method. Higher molecular weight aldehydes approximately beginning with Butanal
can be analyzed by the method for individual VOCs.

7.9.2 VOCs excluding those in 7.9.1 are collected using stainless or glass tubes
containing single or multi-sorbents (Tenax-TA and/or carbonaceous sorbents). The VOCs
collected on the tube are then thermally desorbed to a GC/MS system for identification and
quantification. The sampling and analytical system shall be capable of quantitatively
collecting and analyzing VOCs with a wide range of functional groups and volatilities
approximately ranging from n-hexane through n-hexadecane (C6-C16). Minimal losses of
analytes (i.e., <5%) due to breakthrough shall occur. This can be accomplished by the use of
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sampling tubes containing two or more sorbent materials in series, with the highest surface
area material used as the backup to prevent the breakthrough of the most volatile
compounds. Before use, sample tubes shall be conditioned by thermal desorption. Sample
tubes taken from refrigerated storage or from the desorption equipment shall be at room
temperature prior to use in gas sampling.
Generally, the parameters must be sufficient to measure analytes with a lower limit of
quantitation of 2 µg m-3. Refer to ASTM D1356, D6196, D6345, USEPA Methods TO-1 and
TO-17 for guidance. The GC/MS system shall be calibrated using pure standards with a
minimum of three calibration points bracketing the anticipated mass range of the individual
VOCs to be quantified. The performance of the system shall be routinely validated for the
following compounds based on the objectives of the test:

• Aromatics: Benzene, toluene*, ethylbenzene, a Xylene isomer, and styrene

• Aliphatic hydrocarbons: n-Hexane, n-decane*, and n-dodecane
• Cycloalkanes: Cyclohexane*
• Terpenes: Alpha-Pinene*
• Alcohols: 1-butanol*
• Glycols/Glycol Ethers: 2-butoxyethanol*
• Aldehydes: Hexanal*
• Ketones: Methylisobutylketone*
• Halocarbons: 1,1,1-trichloroethane*
• Esters: Butylacetate*
• Others: Toluene*

The compounds marked with “*” above shall be used as the reference compound for the
corresponding chemical class in the calculation of TVOCSumVOC, and toluene shall be used as
the reference compound for all VOCs in the calculation of TVOCToluene (see Section 3.2.10).
Individual VOCs of interest (depending on the test objectives) shall be quantified with their
respective individual calibration standards. The lower LOQ of the analytical system for VOCs
appearing on the list of pre-selected chemicals of interest shall be 2 µg m-3, or better. The
lower LOQ for non-listed VOCs shall be 5 µg m-3, or better. The lower LOQ for TVOCTolune
and TVOCSum shall be 20 µg m-3, or better. The sampling and measurement method shall
have an accuracy and precision of better than ±15% STD.

7.9.3 The air sampling system shall include a sorbent tube (or cartridge), an air sampling
pump, and an airflow controller that can measure and control the airflow rate through the
sampling system to within ±3% of a specified value. Electronic mass flow controllers are
recommended. All system components between the chamber and the sorbent tube (or
cartridge) shall be constructed of chemically inert materials. The sorbent tube or cartridge
shall be connected directly to the sampling location at the chamber return/exhaust by using a
short (<0.4 m) stainless steel, glass or PTFE tube/connector. The pump shall be operated in
suction mode downstream of the sorbent tube or cartridge to avoid contamination of air
samples by the pump. Separate sampling ports shall be used for sorbent tubes and
cartridges. The total sampling flow rate at any time shall not exceed 75% of the inlet flow
rate. The start and stop times and the sampling flow rates shall be recorded. A unique
identification number shall be assigned to each air sample. Following collection, air samples
shall be sealed in clean airtight containers and stored at reduced temperature in a
refrigerator or freezer dedicated for laboratory samples. Samples shall be analyzed as soon
as practical after collection.

7.9.4 Sampling flow rates and volumes for sorbent tubes and cartridges shall be based
upon the required lower limits of quantitation (2 µg m-3 for individual VOCs in this standard
Test Method), breakthrough volumes of compounds of interest, acceptable pressure drop
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across the samplers, and time resolution required for calculation of emission rates from
chamber concentration data. The sampling volume shall be equal to or less than the safe
sampling volume (SSV, see ASTM D6196). The sampling period shall be less than six hours
for this standard Test Method.

7.10 Evaluation of Overall Chamber Performance Using a Standard Source −The overall
performance of the chamber system shall be assessed by using a standard source whose
emission rate is measured independently from the chamber testing method. Refer to ASTM
D6670 for a method and procedure for the standard source testing applicable to full-scale
chambers, in which a pool of pure liquid VOC (e.g., decane, dodecane) contained in a petri
dish is used as a reference emission source. The reference source is placed in the test
chamber and its weight loss due to evaporation/emission is measured by an electronic
balance to determine the reference emission rate, Rr(t). The concentration of the VOC
measured at the chamber exhaust is used to determine the emission rate, R(t), as is typically
done in environmental chamber testing (referred to as the chamber method). The overall
performance of the environmental chamber is quantified by the relative difference, δ(t),
between R(t) and Rr(t):

R(t )
! (t ) = "1 (4)
Rr (t )

The time average of δ(t) shall be within ±15% and the standard deviation of δ(t) shall be within
±10% as recommended by ASTM D6670.

8. Collection and Preparation of the Test Specimen

8.1 Test Specimen Collection, Packaging, Transportation, and Storage. Representative

specimens shall be selected for testing. If test results are to be considered representative of
a group of products or materials, a representative specimen that has the potential to have the
highest VOC emissions shall be selected from the group. Prescreening testing or other
analysis by the manufacturer in consultation with the testing facility and/or certification
agency may be necessary to determine representative specimens. See Section 6.3 and
Appendix 2 for additional requirements.

8.1.1 The complete test item – all components of a workstation system, workstation
component, or chair – must be received by the testing laboratory not more than 15 days after
the date of manufacture of the first workstation component. The manufacturer shall attempt
to minimize the total elapsed time from manufacture to receipt of the sample at the lab in a
way that best represents their standard manufacturing, packaging and shipping processes.
The manufacturer’s most air-tight packaging option for that workstation component or chair
shall be used3.

8.1.2 When testing component materials, the material samples shall be packaged at the
time of sample collection, and shall be sealed or packed in a fashion to limit emissions (e.g.,
double-layer aluminum foil wrap with shiny side out and placed in a polyethylene bag, or

3
Typically the most airtight packaging material will fully-encase the product in plastic coverings (polybags,
shrink-wrap, etc.). Corrugated (cardboard) packaging materials, even if combined with shrink-wrap that does
not fully enclose the product, are generally less airtight than fully encasing plastic materials. Blanket wrapping
is generally not considered to be airtight and is discouraged for use as a packaging material for the purpose of
emissions testing.
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directly placed in a Mylar or Tedlar bag and sealed) until prepared and placed in a test
chamber. Sample collection shall occur within 24 hours of manufacture.

8.1.3 Each system, component, or material shipped must be accompanied by a chain-of-

custody (COC) form that contains the full identification of the item, the dates of manufacture,
collection and shipping, and individuals handling the item.

8.1.4 Upon receipt, the test specimen shall be stored in a conditioned and ventilated
room of 23±3 oC and not to exceed 60% RH without unpacking, or unpacked and
immediately installed in the conditioned chamber for testing. The test specimen must be
unpacked and installed for testing within 10 days of receiving the final workstation
component and within 25 days of the manufacture date of the first workstation component
(see Appendix 8). Typically, the storage room is the space housing the full-scale chamber.
The concentrations of TVOC, individual VOCs and particles in the storage room shall be
controlled by limiting indoor sources and using a granulated activated carbon filter and high
efficiency particle filter on the HVAC system. Generally, the following criteria shall be met:

TVOCToluene ≤ 100 µg/m3;

any individual compound to be measured in the chamber≤ 10.0 µg/m3;
particulate ≤ 1000 particles/m3 of 0.5 µm diameter or larger; and
ozone and other potentially reactive species (NOx, SOx, etc.) each <30 µg/m3).

8.2 Test Specimen Preparation. Protocol differs for workstation systems, workstation
components, or component materials.

8.2.1 For a standard workstation system, the workstation components shall be

unpackaged outside the chamber, and then immediately moved into the chamber for
assembling. The assembling process shall be completed within 6.0 hours during which the
chamber is operating at the test conditions recognizing that opening of the chamber door and
presence of workers in the chamber will alter the operating conditions. Installers shall not
use greasy tools and shall wear disposable clean room booties to minimize contamination.
Upon completion of assembly, the chamber shall be operated at the standard condition [i.e.,
23±0.5 oC, 50%±5% RH, (6-10 L/s)±3%, and 10±5Pa of positive pressure inside the
chamber].

8.2.2 Individual workstation components, furniture, or seating shall be unpackaged

outside the mid-scale or full-scale chamber, and then immediately assembled and placed
inside the chamber for testing under the condition [i.e., 23±0.5 oC, 50%±5% RH, 1.25-5 L/s
±3% per unit, and 10±5 to 20±5 Pa of positive pressure inside the chamber]. Any
assembling process shall be completed within 6.0 hours. Care should be taken to keep the
door closed as much as possible during the loading and assembly process.

8.2.3 Individual component materials (e.g., fabric, desktop, panels, etc.) shall be cut into
a predefined standard size that results in a loading ratio between 0.3 and 0.7 m2/m3 for
testing in a small chamber in accordance with ASTM D5116. The test specimen shall be
placed in a stainless steel holder with all the edges sealed by sodium silicate, aluminum foil,
paraffin wax (or equivalent means). Emission data shall be provided for the sealing material
used, and the sealing method shall be documented in detail. The specimen-holder system is
then placed at the bottom of the small chamber for testing under the standard condition [i.e.,
23±0.5 oC, 50%±5% RH, and 1.0±0.05 ACH].

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8.2.4 The chamber door shall be closed and sealed immediately after the test specimen
is installed, and the time shall be recorded, and used as the Time Zero for the test.

9. Test Procedure

While the procedure for specimen preparation and loading differs among the different
scales of chamber testing, a common test procedure is adopted in this standard Test
Method.

9.1 Dynamic Environmental Chamber Testing Procedure. The following test procedure
shall be used:

9.1.1 Purging—The environmental test chamber shall be operated at the standard test
condition (Refer to Section 8.2.1, 8.2.2, and 8.2.3) for a minimum of 5 air changes. This
allows the removal of over 99% of the background contamination that might be introduced
when the door of the chamber was opened, and creates a steady state condition for
background checking.

9.1.2 Checking of Background Concentration—Sample at the exhaust or return of the

chamber using a sorbent tube or cartridge to check the background concentration. The
background VOC concentrations should meet the criteria specified in Section 7.6. The cause
of any excessive background contamination shall be determined and steps taken to eliminate
this contamination before proceeding with the test. The actual background concentration
measured is denoted as Cbk, and is used in the data analysis in Section 10.1.

9.1.3 Prepare and load the test specimen according to the procedure described in
Section 8. The chamber door shall be kept closed at all times unless entering or exiting.
Record the time when the chamber door is finally closed and sealed after loading the test
specimen. This time is defined as time zero for the emission test. The first 72 hours are used
for conditioning the specimen, and can be used to conduct screening measurements as
described in Appendix 6.

Note: Maintain supply airflow into the chamber during sample loading to reduce intrusion of
air from the laboratory. Refer to ASTM D6670 for guidance.

9.1.4 Sampling—The following procedure shall be used:

9.1.4.1 Clean and condition the sorbent tubes before air sampling (or prepare cartridges
or other sampling devices).

9.1.4.2 Purge the sampling port/line for 5 minutes prior to the collection of air samples.

9.1.4.3 Take duplicate air samples (2 or more) at the 72nd and 168th hour from the
chamber exhaust or return air ducts, using the sorbent tube for VOC analyses and the DNPH
cartridge for Formaldehyde and Acetaldehyde analyses. Sampling period for each air sample
shall be centered within ±5 minutes of the respective time point (e.g., a 1 hour sample at the
72nd hour shall start at the 71.5th hour and end at the 72.5th hour). The duplicate samples
shall be taken simultaneously with the same sampling flow rate and sampling period.
Note: The chamber shall also be maintained at a positive pressure during air sampling.

9.1.5 Measure the background concentration of the supply air immediately after taking
the air samples at the 168th hour to verify the compliance of the clean air supply to the
chamber system.
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Note: The above procedure represents a standard test according to this Standard Test
Method. Additional air samples may be taken during or beyond the 7 day test period,
depending on the requirements of other testing objectives. For example, if the test is
conducted to determine if the workstation system would comply with an emission criteria
specified at the 14th day and the 7 day testing shows an increase of emission factor over time
for certain VOCs, one may extend the test period to 14 days to determine if the emission
factors will eventually decrease to less than the specified values at 14 days. Additional data
points may also be taken to provide additional data for the verification of the power-law
model.

9.2 Chemical Analysis--Air samples taken to check the chamber background and taken at
the 72nd, and 168th hour shall be analyzed as follows:

9.2.1 Identify the VOCs emitted by the test specimen, based on the results of GC or
HPLC analysis. Except for selected individual VOCs of interest, identification using the
standard NIST library with a match of 90% or better for MS analysis is satisfactory. For each
selected VOC, identification shall be confirmed by the analysis of the pure compound on the
same system using identical conditions. Retention times of unknowns and standards must
match within 1% of the total run-time, and mass spectra of unknowns and standards for the
GC/MS used must agree within 90%. Performance tests using third party analytical reference
materials shall be conducted for the primary or representative analytes (refer to Section
7.9.2).

This Standard Test Method requires the analysis of the following VOCs consistent with
the requirements by USGBC (2004) and CIB (2004):

• Formaldehyde shall be identified and quantified.

• Compounds are classified according to their chemical classes including: Aliphatic
hydrocarbons (Alkanes), Aromatic hydrocarbons, Halogenated hydrocarbons
(Halocarbons), Terpenes, Esters, Aldehydes and ketones (excl. formaldehyde), and
Other. Any peaks whose area is greater than 10% of the total area of the peaks in its
class shall be identified. All identified compounds shall represent at least 75% of the
total peak area of the VOCs collected.
• If identified in a sample, compounds on the target list shown in Appendix 4 shall be
quantified. In addition, the 10 most abundant compounds among the identified VOCs
shall be quantified whether or not these identified VOCs are on the Target list in
Appendix 4.
• Quantification for individual VOCs of specific interest (e.g., as required by a
certification program or specified purchasing requirements) shall be done using
standards of the pure compounds and their individual response factors, while
quantification of other identified VOCs shall be based on the response factors of the
following reference compounds corresponding to each chemical class:
o Aromatics: Toluene
o Aliphatic hydrocarbons: n-decane
o Cycloalkanes: Cyclohexane
o Terpenes: Alpha-Pinene
o Alcohols: 1-butanol
o Glycols/Glycol Ethers: 2-butoxyethanol
o Aldehydes: Hexanal
o Ketones: Methylisobutylketone
o Halocarbons: 1,1,1-trichloroethane
o Esters: Butylacetate
o Others: Toluene
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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

• SubSumVOC for each chemical class above shall be calculated as the sum of VOC
mass collected in the same class using the reference compound for the class
• TVOCSumVOC shall be calculated as sum of the SubSumVOC for all the chemical
class.
• TVOCtoluene shall be calculated as the integrated peak area between n-C6 and n-C16
using toluene as the reference compound.

10. Data Analysis and Interpretation

10.1 Calculation of the Concentrations. The concentration of a VOC or TVOC is

calculated by:

m(ti )
C ( ti ) = ! Cbk (5)
Vs
Where,

C(t i) = concentration of the compound at time ti, mg/m3;

m(t i) = mass amount measured by a GC/FID, GC/MS, HPLC, or other analytical system,
mg;
ti = elapsed time from Time Zero, and equal to the average of the start and end time of
the sampling period (t1 = 72 h, and t2=168 h);
Vs = sampling volume (equal to the air sampling airflow rate times the air sampling
period for sorbent or cartridge samples), m3; and
Cbk = background concentration of the compound in the chamber measured before the
test, mg/m3.

The concentrations at t1=72 h and t2=168 h are calculated as the averages of the
duplicate air samples, and denoted as C(t1) and C(t2), respectively. The relative deviation of
the analytes in the duplicate (2 or more) samples (i.e., absolute difference divided by the
mean in percent) shall be evaluated. Values where the relative difference between two
samples (or relative standard deviation between more than two samples) is greater than 15%
shall be indicated. If the relative difference (or relative standard deviation) is larger than
45%, the data shall be considered invalid and the sampling and analytical system shall be re-
checked and verified before proceeding to another test. When the difference is larger than
45%, additional duplicate (2 or more) test data samples at the time of interest may be
collected and if the difference in these is less than 45% then the test shall be considered
valid for the time point of interest.

10.2 Calculation of Emission Rate. Workstation systems, components, and their

materials can be treated as sources with a constant or near-constant emission rate after the
initial conditioning period. The emission rate at t1 and t2 are calculated by (Section 6):

R(t i ) = QC (t i ) (6)

Where,

R(t i) = emission rate at time ti (i=1 and 2), mg/h.; and

Q = clean air supply flow rate, m3/h.

10.3 Calculation of the Emission FactorThe emission factor is calculated by:

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

R(t i )
E (t i ) = (7)
A

Where,

E(ti) = emission factor at time ti (i=1 and 2), mg/h, mg/m/h, mg/m2/h, mg/m3/h, and
mg/kg/m3/h for unit, line, area, volume and mass sources, respectively; and
A = amount of materials/products tested in the chamber, unit, m, m2, m3, and kg for unit,
line, area, volume, or mass emission sources, respectively.

10.4 Use of Emission Model for Interpolation and ExtrapolationAssuming that emission
factors after the 72nd hour can be well represented by a power-law model (Section 6.7), the
following equation applies:

E (t ) = at ! b (8)

where, a and b are coefficients determined by:

ln E (t1 ) ! ln E (t 2 )
b= (9)
ln t 2 ! ln t1
!b !b
a = E (t1 )t1 = E (t 2 )t 2 (10)

10.5 The above simplified calculation procedure is valid, in general, assuming that the
measurement of the concentrations C(t1)and C(t2) are accurate, and E = a t-b is a valid
representation of the emission factor. However, current air sampling and chemical analysis
techniques can only provide a precision of about ±15% (relative standard deviation), and the
average of the duplicate air samples would improve the precision by a factor of 20.5 to about
±10.6%. Assuming a worst case scenario in which the measured E(t=72 h) is 10.6% higher
and E(t=168 h) is 10.6% lower than an emission factor that is supposed to be constant, it can
be shown that the measurement uncertainty would result in b=0.25. Similarly, the limited
precision in concentration measurement could also result in b=-0.25 for a constant emission
source. As a result, emission factors with –0.25<b<0.25 shall be reported as constant, and
calculated as:

E(t) = [E(t1)+E(t2)]/2 (11)

Note: The simplified procedure described above is adopted in this standard Test Method
because it is simpler to use and provides sufficient accuracy. If more air samples are taken
between 72 and 168 hours, regression analysis can also be used to determine a and b.
Users shall refer to Guide D6670 for the detailed calculation procedure.

In the case that measured data indicate a non-decaying source, the power-law model shall
not be used to predict the emission factor beyond the test period. Instead, duplicate (2 or
more) data points may be taken at the time period of interest (e.g., 14 days) to determine the
emission characteristics of the source. The actual measured emission factors for that time
period may be used to compare with appropriate compliance criteria.

10.6 Estimation of the impact of a standard workstation system on the VOC

concentrations in a typical office environment as defined in Section 6.5:

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

10.6.1 Based on the emission factor of a complete standard workstation system:

Ao E14
C14 = (12)
Qo

where, Ao=1 workstation; E14=E(t=336) calculated by Equation (8); and Qo=15.0 m3/h (i.e.,
4.17 L/s or 8.84 cfm) for the typical open plan office environment defined in Section 6.5. or
Qo=34.7 m3/h (i.e., 9.63 L/s or 20.4 cfm) for the typical private office environment defined in
Section 6.5.

10.6.2 Based on the emission factors of individual furniture components of a standard

workstation system:
n

!A
i =1
i ,o Ei ,14
C14 = (13)
Qo

where, Ai,o is the number of i furniture components used in the standard workstation system,
and Ei,14 is its emission factor at t=336 h, calculated from Equation (8); Qo=15.0 m3/h (i.e.,
4.17 L/s or 8.84 cfm) for the typical open plan office environment defined in Section 6.5.1 or
Qo=34.7 m3/h (i.e., 9.63 L/s or 20.4 cfm) for the typical private office environment defined in
Section 6.5.2

10.6.3 Based on the emission factor of component materials used in the workstation
system:

Current knowledge does not yet allow reliable prediction of the emissions from a
complete workstation system based on the small chamber test results for component
materials. However, emission test results for component materials can be used for screening
purposes to assess if an alternative component material (such as fabric, fiberglass,
particleboard with or without surface finish, etc.) would result in a significant change of the
emissions from a workstation system. Assuming that a complete workstation system has an
emission factor of E14 in mg/h per unit, and a component material i is replaced by an
alternative material, the VOC concentrations due to emissions from the new system with the
alternative material can be calculated by:

E14 ! Ai Ei ,14 + Aia Eia ,14

C14 = (14)
Qo

where,
E14 = emission factor of the original workstation system determined by a full-scale
chamber test, calculated by equation (8), mg/h per unit;
Ai = amount of the original component material i used in the complete system, m2;
Ei,14 = emission factor of the original component material i, calculated by equation (8),
mg/(m2h);
Aia = amount of the alternative component material i used in the complete furniture
component or chair, m2;
Eia,14 = emission factor of the alternative component material i, calculated by equation (8),
mg/(m2h).

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Note: When using the above procedure, it is recommended that the original component
material (i) be tested at the same time the workstation system is tested to minimize material
variations, however duplicate samples of original component materials may be tested at a
later time if the materials have not changed. The same small chamber test procedure and
parameters used for testing the original material shall also be used for testing the alternative
material.

10.7 Estimation of the impact of an individual workstation component or chair on the

concentration in a typical office environment as defined in Section 6.5:

10.7.1 Based on the emission factor of a complete furniture component or chair:

Ao E14
C14 = (15)
Qo

where, Ao=1; E14=E(t=336) calculated by Equation (8); and for furniture components Qo=15.0
m3/h (i.e., 4.17 L/s or 8.84 cfm) for the typical open plan office environment defined in
Section 6.5. or Qo=34.7 m3/h (i.e., 9.63 L/s or 20.4 cfm) for the typical private office
environment defined in Section 6.5. For a chair, Qo=24.8 m3/h (i.e., 6.89 L/s or 14.6 cfm)
based on the average of the typical private office and open plan environments.

10.7.2 Based on the emission factor of component materials used in the workstation
furniture component or chair assembly:

Current knowledge does not yet allow reliable prediction of the emissions from a
complete furniture component or chair based on the small chamber test results for
component materials. However, emission test results for component materials can be used
for screening purposes to assess if an alternative component material (such as fabric,
fiberglass, particleboard with or without surface finish, etc.) would result in a significant
change of the emissions from a workstation furniture component or chair. Assuming that a
complete furniture component or chair has an emission factor of Ef, 14 in mg/h per unit, and a
component material i is replaced by an alternative material, the VOC concentrations due to
emissions from the new furniture component or chair with the alternative material can be
calculated by:

E f ,14 ! Ai Ei ,14 + Aia Eia ,14

C14 = (16)
Qo

where,

Ef,14 = emission factor of the original complete furniture component or chair determined by
a mid-scale test, calculated by equation (8), mg/h per furniture component or chair;
Ai = amount of the original component material i used in the complete furniture or chair,
m2;
Ei,14 = emission factor of the original component material i, calculated by equation (8),
mg/(m2h);
Aia = amount of the alternative component material i used in the complete furniture
component or chair, m2; and
Eia,14 = emission factor of the alternative component material i, calculated by equation (8),
mg/(m2h).

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

Note: When using Equation (16), it is recommended that the original component material (i)
be tested at the same time the furniture or chair is tested to minimize material variations,
however duplicate samples of original component materials may be tested at a later time if
the materials have not changed. The same small chamber test procedure used for testing
the original material shall also be used for testing the alternative material.

11. Compliance, Retesting and Timing

The emission test results can be used to determine if a workstation system would comply
with indoor air quality requirements such as those set by the USGBC, the US EPA, the State
of California, and CIB once it is demonstrated that this standard Test Method produces
equivalent and comparable results as the methods specified by those requirements.
Example concentration or emission limits are listed in Appendix 1.

The emissions test results can be considered valid and useful for supporting claims of
low emitting product for as long as the materials and components, manufacturing processes,
and packaging methods remain the same. Significant changes to one or more of these
factors should be evaluated for possible effects on emission characteristics. If it is possible
that the product emissions will increase as a result of the change being considered or
implemented, a new test should be conducted. Changes in material specification or
manufacture of components such as finish materials, adhesives, core materials, plastic
materials, and cushioning materials must be considered and evaluated for potential adverse
impacts on VOC emissions. Evaluations may be conducted by engineering calculations from
supporting data or may require, at a minimum, screening level emission testing. Other
sources of variability to be considered include the range of in-plant process parameters,
differences associated with multiple suppliers of a single component, uncertainties
associated with emissions characteristics of recycled materials, etc.

A formally documented quality system or quality system registered to ISO 9000

requirements and/or specific internal requirements specifying product emissions levels are
indicators of stable manufacturing systems.

Certification by the manufacturer confirming ongoing validity of the results are

acceptable, however, emissions testing results must be revalidated by testing at an interval
not to exceed a time period established in the certification program for which the test is
conducted. The required frequency of testing may depend on the typical product change
cycle and frequency in changing material suppliers as well as the general trend of emissions
over years.

12. Laboratory Test Report

12.1 A separate cover letter shall be provided, summarizing the test purpose, identifying
the products tested, and stating if the product meets the pre-selected performance criteria.

12.2 The report shall include the following information:

(1) a title (i.e., “Test Report”);
(2) name and address of the laboratory;
(3) unique identification of the report (such as serial number);
(4) unique page numbers (i.e., Page X of Y).
(5) name and address of the client (where applicable);
(6) description and unambiguous identification of the item(s) tested;
(7) dates of manufacture, collection, and shipment of the item(s). Attach copies of
COC forms;
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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

(8) characterization and condition of the test item;

(9) date of receipt of the test item;
(10) date(s) of the performance of test;
(11) identification of the test method used;
(12) any additions to, deviations from, or exclusions from the test method (such as
environmental conditions);
(13) a signature and title, or an equivalent identification of the person(s) accepting
responsibility for the content of the report;
(14) date of issue of the report;
(15) test conditions (see Section 12.3);
(16) test results (see Section 12.4);
(17) a statement that the report shall not be reproduced, except in full, without the
written approval of the laboratory.
(18) A statement that all data, including but not limited to raw instrument files,
calibration fits, and quality control checks used to generate the test results is
available to the client upon request.

12.3. Test conditions shall include chamber dimensions, volume, clean air supply flow
rate, temperature, humidity, amount and dimensions of the test specimen and a photograph
of the test specimen under the condition while in the test chamber. Any deviation from the
standard test conditions shall be reported.

12.4 Test results shall include the following information (See Appendix 7 for sample
tables).

12.4.1 Measured Concentrations:

1) Table A7.1a—Concentrations of VOCs between C6 and C16 measured by the GC/MS

analysis. The table shall include: names of VOCs identified from the air samples
taken at 72 and 168 hours; measured concentrations in individual samples at 72 and
168 hours; mean concentrations and relative deviations. VOCs shall be listed
according to their chemical classes (Aromatic hydrocarbons, Aliphatic hydrocarbons,
Cycloalkanes, Terpens, Glycols/Glycol ethers, Aldehydes, Ketones, Halocarbons,
Acids, Esters, and Other). Include a class summation in the same row as the class
name, a total summation row at the end of the table denoted as “TVOCsum”, and the
TVOCToluene. The calibration compound used for each VOC concentration shall be
indicated. A note shall be provided at the bottom of the table describing the type of
sorbent tubes used for air sampling, the sampling volumes, and the GC/MS operating
conditions and calibration information.

2) Table A7.1b---Concentrations of Formaldehyde and Acetaldehyde measured by

HPLC analysis. The table shall include: names of Formaldehyde and Acetaldehyde
identified from the air samples taken at the 72nd and 168th hours; measured
concentrations in individual samples at the 72nd and 168th hours; mean concentrations
and relative deviations. A note shall be provided at the bottom of the table describing
the cartridges used for air sampling, the sampling volume, and the HPLC operating
conditions and calibration information. See Appendix 7 for a sample table.

12.4.2 Calculated Emission Factors:

1) Table A7.2--containing the following data columns: names of VOCs by chemical

class, TVOCSum, TVOCToluene, Formaldehyde, and Acetaldehyde, emission factors

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

calculated from the mean values at the 72nd and 168th hour by equations (6) and (7),
and values of coefficients a and b of Equation (8).

12.4.3 Predicted Concentrations in the defined Typical Office Environment of a Single

Office Workstation:

1) Table A7.3 -- containing the following data columns: names of the individual VOCs by
chemical class, TVOCSum, TVOCToluene, Formaldehyde, and Acetaldehyde,
concentrations at t=72, 168 and 336 hours, respectively. Concentrations at the 72nd
and 168th hour are based on the measured emission factor while those at 336 are
predicted by Equations (12), (13), (14) or (15), depending on the type of test and
analysis conducted.

A note shall be provided at the bottom of each table stating that the predicted
concentration is for one of the following defined typical office environments of a single
office workstation condition:
• Open Plan condition: 1 occupant, 5.94 m2 (64 ft2) floor area, 4.17 L/s (8.84
cfm) clean air ventilation rate, 23 oC and 50% RH.
• Private Office condition: 1 occupant, 23.78 m2 (256 ft2) floor area, 9.63 L/s
(20.4 cfm) clean air ventilation rate, 23 oC and 50% RH.

12.5 Reference -- Refer to this Standard Test Method and others as appropriate.

12.6 Report all values in SI units unless specified otherwise.

13. Quality Control and Quality Assurance

13.1 Quality Assurance/Control (QA/QC) PlanA QA/QC plan shall be designed and
implemented to ensure the integrity of the measured and reported data obtained during
product evaluation studies. This plan shall encompass all facets of the measurement
program from sample receipt to final review and issuance of reports. Refer to ASTM D5116
for additional guidance.

13.2 Data Quality Objectives/Acceptance CriteriaThe QA/QC plan shall be based on

established data quality objectives and acceptance criteria that will depend on the purpose of
the testing and the capability of the laboratory (equipment and personnel) to conduct the test
procedures. Data quality objectives shall be established for the following parameters prior to
initiating the testing program:

13.2.1 Test Material/Product Transfer Time and Environmental Conditions—Tolerance

limits for the elapsed time from production to testing are as follows:
The time between the manufacture date of the first workstation component and receipt of
the last component by the lab must not be more than 15 days.

13.2.2 Test Chamber Conditions and Test Results—Precision and accuracy limits shall
be established for each parameter in Table 2. Initial commissioning and annual
maintenance/verification of the chamber system shall be conducted to verify the accuracy
and precision of the test chamber conditions.

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Table 2. Required Accuracy and Precision Limits Parameters

Parameter Accuracy (as bias) Precision
Temperature, oC ±0.5 ±1.0
Relative humidity, % ±5 ±5
Air flow rate, % ±3 ±5
Area of the testing surface of the specimen, ±1.0 ±1.0
%
Time, % ±1.0 ±2.0
Organic concentration, %RSD* -- ±15.0
Emission factor, % RSD* -- ±20.0
*RSD= Relative standard deviation = (s/m) x 100%, where, s = estimate of the standard
deviation; and m = mean. For the concentration, RSD is calculated from replicate air
samples taken at the medium of the chamber concentration observed during the test period.
For the emission factor, the RSD is calculated from replicate standard source tests described
in Section 7.7 using the constant source procedure.

Accuracy certifications are supplied by the manufacturers of the sensors, flow meters, and
other measurement devices who calibrate them against National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST)-traceable primary sources.

Accuracy checks shall be performed with independent sensors calibrated against NIST-
traceable primary standards. Precision measurements are obtained in the laboratory by
continuous recording of the parameters. Non-compliance requires immediate correction
and/or replacement of sensors. Calibrated replacements shall be retained in the laboratory.
Experience shows that routine calibration and tracking of precision can prevent non-
compliance.

13.2.3 Record Keeping and Logs. Various documentation requirements shall be

implemented for all test parameters including environmental chamber and analytical
performance. Refer to ASTM D5116. Additionally, the identity of persons conducting each
procedure shall be recorded. All devices used, date and time of tests, and the test data shall
be part of the QA/QC recording process. Complete records are required.

13.3 CalibrationCalibration must be frequent enough to ensure performance of the

system within specified parameters. Frequency of calibration should be determined prior to
the test, and periodic equipment checks using a second source (other than that used for the
calibration) shall be used to verify acceptable performance. All calibration and verification
measurements shall be recorded including the time, equipment description, and
measurement data.

13.4 Accuracy DeterminationsAccuracy determinations require measurements of a

known emission source (e.g., permeation tubes, spiked samples) or test gas. These
measurements shall be made prior to establishing the project data quality objectives, and
shall be consistent with the overall testing objectives. The procedures and materials used for
establishing the accuracy of the measurement system shall be recorded.

13.5 PrecisionPrecision determinations require replications sufficient to establish the

systematic variation associated with all measurements. When multiple chambers are used
as part of an experiment, duplicate samples shall be used. Variation in test data from a
single chamber and among chambers can be established by use of standardized sources

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

such as permeation tubes for determining organic concentrations and calculated emission
rates.

13.6 Duplicate AnalysisAll primary chamber air samples are collected and analyzed in
duplicate. The results of such analyses shall be recorded and assessed to determine the
adequacy of the total system performance relative to the testing objectives. Relative
deviations >15% between results for individual VOCs in duplicate samples shall be indicated.

13.7 ChartingCharting QC data will allow analysis of system performance and

observation of anomalistic or unacceptable deviations.

14. Keywords

Environmental chamber testing, furniture emissions, indoor air quality, organic emissions,
indoor materials, indoor products.

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Appendix 1 An Example of Concentration and Emission Limits in Relevant Rating

Systems and Guides (USGBC LEED CI 2.1)

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)’s “Green Building Rating System For
Commercial Interiors” (LEED CI Version 2) has the following criteria (Table A1.1) for
receiving “EQ Credit 4.5 Low-Emitting Materials, Systems Furniture and Seating”:

Table A1.1 Limits of Indoor Air Concentrations due to Emissions

from Systems Furniture and Seating*

Chemical Contaminant Emissions Limits Emissions Limits

Systems Furniture Seating
TVOCtoluene ≤ 0.5 mg/m3 ≤ 0.25 mg/m3
Formaldehyde ≤ 50 ppb ≤ 25 ppb
Total Aldehydes ≤ 100 ppb ≤50 ppb
3
4-Phenylcyclohexane ≤ 0.0065 mg/m ≤ 0.00325 mg/m3
* These limits apply to Option B for receiving the “EQ Credit 4.5” in LEED CI, which requires
emission testing using the EPA/RTI ETV (1999) test protocol. These requirements were also
recommended by the GreenGuard certification program.

TVOCtoluene is the method of measuring TVOC using the response factor of toluene.

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Appendix 2 Definition of Standard Workstation Systems

A2.1 Required workstation surface areas

Table A2.1 Required Standard Workstation Surface Areas

Total
Workstation Panel Work Storage Total Workstation
System Type Area Surface Area External Area Area
11.08 m2 6.103 m2 4.569 m2 21.76 m2
Open Plan
(119.3 ft2) (65.69 ft2) (49.18 ft2) (234.2 ft2)
7.633 m2 6.734 m2 10.55 m2 24.92 m2
Private Office
(82.16 ft2) (72.48 ft2) (113.6 ft2) (268.3 ft2)

The total surface area of each workstation parameter shall be within ±5% of the values listed
and the total Workstation Area, defined as the total of Panel Area, Work Surface Area, and
Storage Area, shall also be within ±5% of the total workstation areas shown above. All doors
and drawers are to be tested in the closed position, representing typical usage conditions
that normally include blocked surfaces due to contents. The open plan areas specified
include the surface area of office furniture present in general office common space outside of
open plan workstations (see Section A.2.3).

To Calculate Panel Area:

Total the surface of both faces of panels, ignore edges, assume all panel surface is exposed.
For Freestanding workstation types with desk and casegood furniture, treat modesty panels,
desk screens, gables, and end panels of desks/returns as panels.

To Calculate Worksurface Area:

Total the surface area of the top and bottom of work surfaces, ignore edges.

To Calculate Storage External Area:

For overhead storage cabinets with doors, drawer pedestals, lateral files, and wardrobe
cabinets total the surface area of all six sides. For drawer pedestals or lateral files where the
top surface is covered by work surface, subtract the area of the pedestal or lateral top, i.e.
total five sides of the “box”. For shelves, count the total exposed horizontal surface area (top
and bottom) without edges, ignore end panel structures or supports.

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

A2.2 Representative Open Plan Workstation System Configurations

Figure A2.2.1 illustrates a representative Open Plan - Panel Based workstation system with
its components and quantity listed in Table A2.2.1. These component sizes and
combinations represent one example that can be used to achieve the total surface area
requirements specified in Table A2.1. Other combinations are acceptable if they result in
surface areas for each workstation parameter that are within ±5% of the requirements
specified in Table A2.1 and if the total area is within ±5% of the requirements specified in
Table A2.1.

Figure A2.2.1
A Standard Open Plan Panel-Based Workstation System

Table A2.2.1
Components of a Standard Open Plan Panel-Based Workstation for Emission Testing

Configuration
Quantity Description with Nominal Dimensions
During Test
Work Surface, Rectangular, 0.610 m x 0.610 m
1 Assembled
(24 in x 24 in)
Work Surface, Extended Corner, 0.610 m x 0.762 m x 1.83 m x
1 Assembled
1.22 m (24 in x 30 in x 72 in x 48 in)
1 Round Table, 1.07 m (42 in) diameter Assembled
1 Panel, 0.601 m wide x 1.68 m high (24 in x 66 in) Assembled
1 Panel, 1.22 m wide x 1.68 m high (48 in x 66 in) Assembled
1 Panel, 0.601 m wide x 1.37 m high (24 in x 54 in) Assembled
1 Panel, 1.22 m wide x 1.37 m high (48 in x 54 in) Assembled
Overhead Storage Bin, 1.22 m wide x 0.401 m high x 0.406 m Assembled, Door
1
deep (48 in wide x 15.8 in high x 16 in deep) Closed
1 Shelf, 0.601 m wide x 0.356 deep (24 in x 14 in) Assembled
Assembled Under
Pedestal File, 0.762 m deep x 0.686 m high x 0.381 wide
1 Work Surface,
(30 in deep x 27 in high x 15 in wide)
Drawers Closed

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

Figure A2.2.2 illustrates a representative Open Plan - Panel Based workstation system with
its components and quantity listed in Table A2.2.2. These component sizes and
combinations represent a second example that can be used to achieve the total surface area
requirements specified in Table A2.1. Other combinations are acceptable if they result in
surface areas for each workstation parameter that are within ±5% of the requirements
specified in Table A2.1 and if the total area is within ±5% of the requirements specified in
Table A2.1.

Figure A2.2.2
A Standard Open Plan Panel-Based Workstation System

Table A2.2.2
Components of a Standard Open Plan Panel-Based Workstation for Emission Testing

Configuration
Quantity Description with Nominal Dimensions
During Test
Work Surface, Rectangular, 0.762 m x 1.52 m
2 Assembled
(30 in x 60 in)
Work Surface, Rectangular, 0.610 m x 0.914 m
1 Assembled
(24 in x 36 in)
1 Panel, 1.52 m wide x 1.68 m high (60 in x 66 in) Assembled
1 Panel, 0.762 m wide x 1.37 m high (30 in x 54 in) Assembled
1 Panel, 0.914 m wide x 1.37 m high (36 in x 54 in) Assembled
1 Panel, 0.762 m wide x 1.067 m high (30 in x 42 in) Assembled
Overhead Storage Bin, 1.52 m x 0.401 m x 0.406 m Assembled,
1
(60 in x 15.8 in x 16 in) Door Closed
Assembled under
Pedestal File, 0.762 m deep x 0.686 m high x 0.381 wide
1 Work Surface,
(30 in deep x 27 in high x 15 in wide)
Drawers Closed

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

Figure A2.2.3 illustrates a representative Open Plan - workstation system with its
components and quantity listed in Table A2.2.3. These component sizes and combinations
represent a third example that can be used to achieve the total surface area requirements
specified in Table A2.1. Other combinations are acceptable if they result in surface areas for
each workstation parameter that are within ±5% of the requirements specified in Table A2.1
and if the total area is within ±5% of the requirements specified in Table A2.1.

Figure A2.2.3
A Standard Open Plan Workstation System

Table A2.2.3
Components of a Standard Open Plan Workstation System for Emission Testing

Configuration
Quantity Description with Nominal Dimensions
During Test
1 Rectangular Table/Desk 0.762 m x 1.22 m (30 in x 48 in) Assembled
1 Rectangular Table/Desk 0.762 m x 1.07 m (30 in x 42 in) Assembled
Corner Table/Desk 1.22m x 1.22 m x 1.07 m
1 Assembled
(48 in x 48 in x 30 in)
Mobile Storage Cabinet, 0.508 m x 0.762 m x 1.07 m Assembled, Drawers
1
(20 in x 30 in x 42 in) and Doors Closed
Desk Mounted Storage Unit, 0.406 m x 0.406 m x 0.610 m Assembled,
1
(16 in x 16 in x 24 in) Doors Closed
2 Mobile Screen / Panel, 1.22 m x 1.63 m (48 in x 64 in) Assembled
1 Mobile Screen / Panel, 0.914 m x 1.63 m (36 in x 64 in) Assembled

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

Figure A2.2.4 illustrates a representative Open Plan workstation system that represents a
fourth example that can be used to achieve the total surface area requirements specified in
Table A2.1. Other combinations are acceptable if they result in surface areas for each
workstation parameter that are within ±5% of the requirements specified in Table A2.1 and if
the total area is within ±5% of the requirements specified in Table A2.1.

Figure A2.2.4
A Standard Open Plan Workstation System That Can Be Configured
to Meet the Area Requirements of Table A2.1

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

Figure A2.2.5 illustrates a representative Private Office Freestanding Casegoods workstation

system with its components and quantity listed in Table A2.2.5. These component sizes and
combinations represent one example that can be used to achieve the total surface area
requirements specified in Table A2.1. Other combinations are acceptable if they result in
surface areas for each workstation parameter that are within ±5% of the requirements
specified in Table A2.1 and if the total area is within ±5% of the requirements specified in
Table A2.1.

Figure A2.2.5
A Standard Private Office Freestanding Casegoods Workstation System

Table A2.2.5
Components of a Standard Private Office Freestanding Casegoods Workstation
System for Emission Testing (13.38 m2 or 144 ft2 footprint)

Configuration
Quantity Description with Nominal Dimensions
During Test
- Single Pedestal Desk:
1 Worksurface, 1.83 m x 0.914 m (72 in x 36 in)
Assembled,
1 Pedestal, 0.457 m x 0.762 x 0.686 m (18 in x 30 in x 27 in)
Drawers Closed
1 Modesty Panel, 1.37 m x 0.686 m (54 in x 27 in)
1 End Panel, 0.914 m x 0.686 m (36 in x 27 in)
- Single Pedestal Credenza:
1 Worksurface, 1.83 m x 0.610 m (72 in x 24 in)
Assembled,
1 Modesty Panel, 0.914 m x 0.686 m (36 in x 27 in)
Drawers Closed
1 Lateral File, 0.914 m x 0.610 m x 0.686 m (36 in x 24 in x 27 in)
1 End Panel, 0.610 m x 0.686 m (24 in x 27 in)
1 Bridge Unit Worksurface, 0.610 m x 0.914 m (24 in x 36 in) Assembled
- Hutch Storage Unit w/Doors:
1 Storage Area, 1.83 m x 0.381 m x 0.457 m (72 in x 15 in x 18 in) Assembled,
2 End Panel, 0.381 m x 0.508 m (15 in x 20 in) Doors Closed
1 Back Panel, 1.83 m x 0.508 m (72 in x 20 in)
1 Mobile Pedestal, 0.457 m wide x 0.584 m deep x 0.686 m high Assembled,
(18 in wide x 23 in deep x 27 in high) Drawers Closed

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

Figure A2.2.6 illustrates a representative Private Office Freestanding workstation system with
its components and quantity listed in Table A2.2.6. These component sizes and
combinations represent a second example that can be used to achieve the total surface area
requirements specified in Table A2.1. Other combinations are acceptable if they result in
surface areas for each workstation parameter that are within ±5% of the requirements
specified in Table A2.1 and if the total area is within ±5% of the requirements specified in
Table A2.1.

Figure A2.2.6
A Standard Private Office Freestanding Casegoods Workstation System

Table A2.2.6
Components of a Standard Private Office Freestanding Casegoods Workstation
System for Emission Testing (13.38 m2 or 144 ft2 footprint)

Configuration
Quantity Description with Nominal Dimensions
During Test
1 Peninsula Work Surface, 1.83 m x 0.914 m (72 in x 36 in)
Assembled
1 End Panel Support, 0.914 m x 0.686 m (36 in x 27 in)
1 Bridge Work Surface, 1.067 m x 0.610 m (42 in x 24 in)
Assembled
1 Back Panel Support, 1.067 m x 0.686 m (42 in x 27 in)
1 Credenza Work Surface, 1.83 m x 0.610 m (72 in x 24 in)
1 Back Panel, 0.914 m x 0.686 m (36 in x 27 in)
Assembled,
1 End Panel, 0.610 m x 0.686 m (24 in x 27 in)
Drawers Closed
1 Lateral File, 0.914 m wide x 0.686 m high x 0.457 m deep
(36 in wide x 27 in high x 18 in deep)
Lateral File, 0.914 m wide x 1.35 m high x 0.457 m deep
1 Drawers Closed
(36 in wide x 53 in high x 18 in deep)
Hutch, 0.965 m high x 1.83 m wide x 0.381 m deep
1 Doors closed
(38 in high x 72 in wide x 15 in deep)

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

A2.3 Rationale for Standard Workstation System Sizes and Modeled Air Flow Rate

A2.3.1. Floor Area per Workstation, including allocated office common area –

This value was determined from a BIFMA statistical analysis of 30 randomly selected
North American office building floor plans chosen from a cross section of customers
from seven major office furniture manufacturers. The analysis of these floor plans
included over 5,000 office workstations.

In each case the floor area “footprint” of each office was measured and combined
with a relatively sized portion of the general office common area. The general office
common area typically included informal open plan conference or meeting areas,
copy machine/printer areas, or aisle space between open plan workstations. This
general office space was allocated to all adjoining occupiable areas (i.e. conference
rooms, private offices, refreshment areas, cafeterias, floor-to-ceiling corridors, etc.)
unless the adjoining areas were part of the building area common to all tenants
and/or were separated from the open plan office area by floor-to-ceiling walls and
doors that would normally be closed. Building atria, reception areas, storage rooms,
elevators, stairwells, building vertical penetrations, electrical/mechanical rooms, and
restrooms were typically excluded from allocations of the general office common
area. This analysis of floor area was intended to be consistent with the definitions
and practices of ASHRAE 62.1 2004, ANSI/BOMA Z65.1-1996, and ASTM E 1836-
01.

A2.3.2. Modeled Air Flow Rate (cfm) –

This value is based on the required minimum outdoor air flow rate specified in
ASHRAE 62.1-2004, using the floor area per workstation value from A2.3.1 to
determine the occupant density of the office area and assuming that each workstation
is intended for one person.
Occupant Density = 1 / Floor Area per Workstation

Using Table 2 in ASHRAE 62.1-2004 and equation 6-1, the required outdoor air flow
rate is determined as follows:
Modeled Air Flow Rate (cfm) = 5 (cfm) + 0.06 (cfm/sq. ft) x Floor Area/Workstation (sq. ft)

A2.3.3. Required Potential Emitting Surface Area (sq. ft) –

The representative amount of total potential emitting surface area was calculated
based on the representative worst-case surface areas of panels, work surfaces, and
storage components determined in the BIFMA statistical analysis of over 5,000
workstations as described above. The surface area of all elements present in each
office and in the surrounding general office common areas were totaled and divided
by the number of workstations present. The resulting frequency distribution, weighted
by number of building workstations affected, was used to determine the
representative worst-case value for Panel, Worksurface, Storage, and Total Area.
Additional detail is available from BIFMA International.

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

Appendix 3 A Typical Timeline for Office Workstation Ordering, Manufacturing, and

Shipping

The chart below is a review of lead-time elements for made-to-order workstations for the
installation of 100 new workstations in a room. Time ranges are based on standard 8-hour
workdays and totals are adjusted to “weeks” including non-working weekends 4.

Timeline Review Typical Time

Ranges
CT1 Dealer Receives Workstation Order 1 day
CT2 Factory Receives Workstation Order 1-5 days
CT3 Factory Floor, Multiple Manufacturing Orders 1 -56 days
(Factory lead or wait time)
CT4 Manufacture (10-20 different processes) 1-4 days
(actual floor time)
CT5 Package & Move to Warehouse 1-2 days (2)
CT6 Consolidate & Ship Order 1-10 days (5)
CT7 Shipping Transit Time to Customer 1-5 days (3)
max)
CT8 Installer labor unwrap and assemble furniture 7-21 days
CT9 Electricity and data cabling. 7-14 days
CT10 Telephone and computers. 7-14 days
CT11 Furniture cleaned, floor vacuumed. 1-5 days
CT12 Office worker occupancy. 1-5 days

Minimum (CT5-CT8) 10 days

Maximum (CT5-CT8) 38 days

Minimum (CT9-CT12) 16 days

Maximum (CT9-CT12) 38 days

Rationale for preparation, shipping and storage times prior to preconditioning/testing

in the chamber

For emission testing, the office workstation systems or their components are prepared
and shipped to the testing laboratory according to the similar procedure as used for
customers except usually only one workstation system (or a set of its components) is
shipped at a time to the laboratory. To reduce the variation in emission test results, the age
of the test specimen (time elapsed from the product packaging prior to the
conditioning/testing in the chamber) should be controlled within 25 days, which is the slightly
more than the average of the minimum and maximum time from the packaging to receiving
by the customer in a typical ordering and shipping process (i.e., CT5-CT8 shown in the
above chart). The emission rate at the 72-hour time point can be used to model a worst case
scenario for short term impact in an office setting.

4
The data were based on the experience and past records of BIFMA members in furniture manufacture at
multiple locations, staging, order consolidation, and delivery.

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

Rationale for conditioning/testing period

The conditioning/testing period starts when the test specimen is unwrapped and placed in
the chamber under a controlled environmental and ventilation condition, during which the
VOCs are emitted. Ideally, the end of the test period should represent the condition of
occupancy when a batch of workstations are ordered and installed in the office space as in
the above chart. California (2000) recommends a 14-day conditioning/testing period, which is
close to the minimum time between the completion of installation and the occupancy shown
in the above chart (16 days). However, analyses of the furniture emission characteristics and
past test data suggest that it is adequate to use 7-day test data to predict the VOC emission
rates at the 14th day (Appendix 5). Reducing the conditioning/testing period to 7 days would
significantly reduce the turn-around time.

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

Appendix 4 Target List of VOCs for Quantification by GC/MS Analyses

The following table provides a list of VOCs that are typically found in the indoor environment
(ECA-IAQ 1997). It is not intended and may not be practical, nor necessary to test for all the
VOCs listed since many of them are not known to be emitted from office furniture and
seating. Column 4 of Table A4.1 identifies VOCs that are most frequently emitted from
furniture systems and seating based on analyses of past data.

Table A4.1 Target list of VOCs for GC/MS analysis (ECA-IAQ 1997) and calibration
Identified as most
frequently emitted
from furniture
Chemical Class / Boiling Point systems and seating
Compound* CAS No. (oC) in past tests
Aromatic
Hydrocarbons
Benzene 71-43-2 80.1
Toluene* 108-88-3 111 [1][2][3][4]
Ethylbenzene 100-41-4 136.2 [3]
108-38-3 /
m/p-Xylene 106-42-3 139.1 / 138.3 [2][3][4]
o-Xylene 95-47-6 144
n-propylbenzene 103-65-1 159
1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene 95-63-6 169.4
1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene 108-67-8 165
2-Ethyltoluene 611-14-3 165.2
Styrene 100-42-5 145.2
Naphthalene 91-20-3 218
4-Phenylcyclohexene 31017-40-0 251-31

Aliphatic
Hydrocarbons
n-C6 to n-C16
n-Hexane 110-54-3 69 [3]
n-Heptane 142-82-5 98.4
n-Octane 111-65-9 125.7
n-Nonane 111-84-2 150.8
n-Decane* 124-18-5 174.1 [4]
n-Undecane 1120-21-4 196 [3]
n-Dodecane 112-40-3 216.3 [1][3][4]
n-Tridecane 629-50-5 235.4
n-Tetradecane 64036-86-3 253.7 [1]
n-Pentadecane 629-62-9 270.6
n-Hexadecane 544-76-3 287
2-Methylpentane 107-83-5 60.3 [3]
3-Methylpentane 96-14-0 63.3
1-Octene 111-66-0 121.3
1-Decene 872-05-9 170.5

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

Table A4.1 Target list of VOCs for GC/MS analysis (ECA-IAQ 1997) and calibration
(continued)
Identified as most
frequently emitted
from furniture
Chemical Class / Boiling Point systems and seating
Compound* CAS No. (oC) in past tests

Cycloalkanes
Methylcyclopentane 96-37-7 71.8
Cyclohexane* 100-82-7 81 [3]
Methylcyclohexane 108-87-2 101

Terpenes
3-Carene 13466-78-9 167
alpha-Pinene* 80-56-8 156 [1][2][4]
beta-Pinene 181172-67-3 164
Limonene 138-86-3 170 [2][3][4]

Alcohols
2-Propanol 67-63-0 82.4
1-Butanol* 71-36-3 118 [2][4]
2-Ethyl-1-hexanol 104-76-7 182 [4]

Glycols/Glycol Ethers
2-Methoxyethanol 109-86-4 124.6
2-Ethoxyethanol 110-80-5 135
2-Butoxyethanol* 111-76-2 171 [4]
1-Methoxy-2-propanol 107-98-2 118
2-Butoxyethoxyethanol 112-34-5 231

Aldehydes
Butanal 123-72-8 76 [2][4]
Pentanal 110-62-3 103 [3][4]
Hexanal* 66-25-1 129 [1][2][3][4]
Nonanal 124-19-6 93 [4]
Benzaldehyde 100-52-7 179 [2]

Ketones
Methylethylketone 78-93-3 780
Methylisobutylketone* 108-10-1 116.8
Cyclohexanone 108-94-1 155.6 [4]
Acetophenone 98-86-2 202

Halocarbons
Trichloroethene 79-01-6 87
Tetrachloroethene 127-18-4 121
1,1,1-Trichloroethane* 71-55-6 74.1 [3][4]
1,4-Dichlorobenzene 106-46-7 173

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

Table A4.1 Target list of VOCs for GC/MS analysis (ECA-IAQ 1997) and calibration
(continued)
Identified as most
frequently emitted
from furniture
Chemical Class / Boiling Point systems and seating
Compound* CAS No. (oC) in past tests
Acids
Hexanoic acid 142-62-1 202

Esters
Ethylacetate 141-78-6 77
Butylacetate* 123-86-4 126.5
Isopropylacetate 108-21-4 85
2-Ethoxyethylacetate 111-15-9 156.4
TXIB
(Texanolisobutyrate) 6846-50-0

Other
>120 (2-tert-
2-Pentylfuran 3777-69-3 butylfuran)
THF (Tetrahydrofuran) 109-99-9 67
* Reference VOC selected for the chemical class in this standard Test Method
1
value of 1-phenyl-cyclohexene.
[1] At least occurred in 5 of the 17 sets of furniture and seating emission data at
the 96th hour of the test per the Greenguard protocol, representing top 11 out of
187 VOCs reported. Data were provided by BIFMA.
[2] At least occurred in 5 of the 15 sets of furniture and seating emission data at
the 24th hour following a 10 day conditioning period of the test per California
(2000) protocol, representing top 9 out of the 213 VOCs reported. Data were
provided by BIFMA.
[3] Most frequently occurring 12 VOCs based on 32 workstation tests conducted
in the period 1990-1998, representing 15 manufacturers. Data were provided by
BIFMA.
[4] Reported in “Table 1 potential VOC and aldehyde emissions from office
furniture” as compounds occurring in >50% of the data analyzed. “Environmental
Technology Protocol Verification Report—Emissions of VOCs and Aldehydes
from Commercial Furniture”, by Research Triangle Institute, RTP, NC. The table
information was provided by Dr. Marilyn Black of Air Quality Sciences, Inc.

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

Appendix 5 VOC Emission Rates as a Function of Time---Typical Trends

Long-term emission data for workstation systems are very limited. As examples,
Figure A5.1 and A5.2 show the VOC emission factors as functions of time for four
workstation systems. Data were provided by Mark Mason of the EPA from an Air Quality
Science report to the EPA, and were presented in the proceedings of the EPA-A&WMA
Engineering Solutions to IAQ Problems conference in 1995 in a paper entitled "Evaluation of
a source management strategy for a large building", by Mark Mason and Marilyn Black. One
set of the data is the same as one of the 10 sets of long term emission test data provided by
BIFMA. It is noted that the workstations were at times placed in a conditioned room instead
of remaining in the full-scale chamber for the entire test period, which may account for some
of the variability in the data.

Figure A5.1 shows that the TVOC (reference to Toluene) emission factor can be
modeled by the power-law (E = a t-b) very well (R2>0.9) except for WS 4 in which R2 = 0.674
(marginally correlated). The relative poor correlation for WS 4 may be attributed to the large
variation in the measured data points at t=310 h and t=550 h.

The formaldehyde (HCHO) emission factors appear to be less well modeled by the
power-law, and very poorly modeled in the case of WS 2 (Figure A5.1). This could be
attributed to a different emission behavior for formaldehyde, but the main reason appears to
be the relatively small change of emission factor at low emission level at which experimental
uncertainty is comparable to the real change of the emission factor. Therefore, if the change
of emission factor over time is smaller than that which could be caused by experimental
uncertainty, it is better to present the emission factor as a constant value.

WS 1 WS 2

250000 30000
TVOC: E = 7E+06 t-1.5617 TVOC: E = 501196 t-0.9396
R2 = 0.9101 R2 = 0.9696
200000 25000
HCHO: E = 817.41 t-0.0304
HCHO: E = 2425 t-0.1634
R2 = 0.0247
E, ug/("unit" h)
E, ug/("unit" h)

R2 = 0.6425 20000
150000
HCHO
HCHO 15000
TVOC
100000 TVOC
10000

50000 5000

0 0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 0 200 400 600 800 1000
t, h t, h

WS 3 WS 4

20000 25000
TVOC: E = 146727 t-0.6524 TVOC: E = 94962 t-0.4437
R2 = 0.9301 R2 = 0.674
20000
15000
HCHO: E = 1020.4 t0.1868
E, ug/("unit" h)

E, ug/("unit" h)

HCHO: E = 2342.6 t-0.1452

15000 R2 = 0.8457
R2 = 0.8641 HCHO HCHO
10000
TVOC TVOC
10000

5000
5000

0 0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 0 200 400 600 800 1000
t, h t, h

Figure A5.1 Emission Factors for TVOC and Formaldehyde for 4 workstation systems (WS 1-4)
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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

The formaldehyde emission factor increased over time for WS 4 (Figure A5.1), which
might be associated with the curing process of the specific finish (acid catalyzed finish) used
for the work surfaces. Well-cured work surfaces would not typically have such emission
behavior.
Figure A5.2 shows that the emission factors over time for individual VOCs can be well
modeled by the power-law in general when the elapsed time (t) is larger than the peaking
time of the emission factors. In the case of WS 1 and WS 2, the maximum emission factors
occurred at t<24 hour. For WS 3 and WS 4, emission factors for most VOCs did not start to
decrease until t>=48 or 72 hours, depending on the compounds. Relatively less satisfactory
model performance (R2<0.8) can also be seen for WS 3 for hexanal and limonene 1 (Figure
A5.2). Again this may mainly be attributed to the experimental uncertainty at the low
emission level.
The data sets provided by BIFMA also show similar emission trends as discussed
above. The power-law appears to be capable of modeling the emission factors over time.

WS 1 WS 2

15000 1500
-0.4845
Toluene: E = 527154 t-1.2624 Hexanal: E = 3092.7 t
R2 = 0.9725 R2 = 0.8091
E, ug/("unit" h)

E, ug/("unit" h)
10000 1000
toluene hexanal
Decane: E = 7562 t-0.8272 a-Pinene: E = 2466.8 t-0.4437
decane a pinene
R2 = 0.8417 R2 = 0.8508
undecane 500 p Xylene
5000 -0.802
Undecane: E = 8022.8 t-0.7709 p-Xylene: E = 4768.3 t
R2 = 0.8968 R2 = 0.9513

0 0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 0 200 400 600 800 1000
t, h t, h

WS 3 WS 4

2500 12000
ethylmethyl benzene butyl acetate
2000 trimethyl benzene 10000 xylene
E, ug/("unit" h)

E, ug/("unit" h)

carene 8000 toluene

1500
hexanal cyclohexanone
6000
1000 limonene 1 1,4,dioxane
limonene 2 4000 1,1,1 trichloroethane
500 a pinene 2000 hexanal

0 undecane 0 hexanone
0 200 400 600 800 1000 0 200 400 600 800 1000
t, h t, h

WS 3 (t>=72 h only) WS 4 (t>=72 only)

3000 3000
Carene: E = 1E+06 t-1.5244 Cyclohexanoe: E = 23621t-0.5244 butyl acetate
R2 = 0.9596 R2 = 0.9577
E, ug/("unit" h)

E, ug/("unit" h)

toluene
2000 carene 2000
cyclohexanone
Hexanal: E = 13228 t-0.7094 Toluene: E = 36294 t-0.6708
hexanal
R2 = 0.7214 R2 = 0.9163 Butyl acetate: E = 5447.2 t
-0.5664

1000 limonene 1 1000

-0.6365
R2 = 0.9689
Limonene 1: E = 4179.3 t
R2 = 0.685
0 0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 0 200 400 600 800 1000
t, h t, h

Figure A5.2 Emission factors for individual VOCs emitted from 4 workstation systems (WS 1-4).

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

If the variation over time is within the experimental uncertainty, a constant emission factor
should be assumed. Reducing the experimental uncertainty would result in better sensitivity
of the model and reduce the prediction error. Duplicate air samples can be taken to reduce
the experimental uncertainty in the data points to be used in determining the model
parameters.

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

Appendix 6 Screening Analysis Procedure

In testing a new type of product, a screening analysis is usually needed to identify VOCs
emitted by the product, set proper operating conditions for the analytical instruments such as
GC/MS, GC/FID, and/or HPLC systems, select target VOCs, and to determine a proper air
sampling volume for subsequent sampling at defined time points (ASTM D6670). While not
mandatory in this standard Test Method, the screening analysis can be conducted within the
conditioning period (72 hours) (see Section 9.1).

A6.1 Screening samples should be collected after the environmental test chamber has
been supplied with clean air for at least 5 air changes at the standard air flow rate (i.e., 5
hours if the air change rate is 1.0 h-1) so that over 99% of the background VOCs introduced
during loading the specimen have been removed.

A6.2 When analyzing the screening samples, different GC operating parameters

(columns and temperature program) or HPLC operating parameters may be tested to obtain
a good separation of emitted VOCs if necessary. The results can be used to determine a
proper set of GC or HPLC operating parameters for subsequent environmental chamber
testing. Samples for other analytes may also be taken from the environmental test chamber
if necessary. The selection of major VOCs for subsequent environmental chamber testing
depends on the objective of the testing. Appendix 1 provides a list of VOCs and their
concentration limits for several relevant indoor air quality guidelines.

A6.3 Multiple air samples may be taken using sorbent tubes or cartridges with different
air sampling volumes ranging from low to high (e.g., 5, 10, and 15 L). Results from the
screening samples can be used to determine the proper air sampling volume for subsequent
environmental chamber testing so that the amount of VOC mass is within the calibration
range.

A6.4 Air samples taken during the 0 to 72 hour period can also provide additional data to
investigate the trend of VOC emission rates as a function of time.

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

Appendix 7 Sample Tables for Reporting the Test Results

Table A7.1a Concentrations of VOCs between n-C6 and n-C16 measured by GC/MS (µg/m3)

VOC name 72nd hour 168th hour

#1 #2 Mean % diff. #1 #2 Mean % diff.
Aromatic
Hydrocarbons
Toluene
…
Aliphatic
Hydrocarbons
n-Decane
…
Cycloalkanes
Cyclohexane
…
Terpenes
alpha-Pinene
…
Alcohols
1-Butanol
…
Aldehydes
Hexanal
…
Ketones
Cyclohexanone
…
Halocarbons
1,1,1-
Trichloroethane
…
Acids
Hexanoic acid
…
Esters
…
Others
…
TVOCsum
TVOCToluene
Sorbent tube and media: Stainless steel tube with Tenax-TA; Sampling Volume: 5 L;
GC/MS operating conditions and calibration info:

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

Table A7.1b Concentrations of Formaldehyde and Acetaldehyde by HPLC Analysis (µg/m3)

VOC name 72nd hour 168th hour

#1 #2 Mean % diff. #1 #2 Mean % diff.
Formaldehyde
Acetaldehyde
Sampling cartridges: silica gel coated with DNPH; Sampling Volume: 10 L;
HPLC operating conditions and calibration info:

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

Table A7.2 Calculated Emission Factors for Identified VOCs, TVOCSum, and TVOCToluene ,
Formaldehyde and Acetaldehyde (µg/h/unit, or µg/h/m2) and power-law model coefficients

VOC name Emission Factor Power-law Model Coefficients for

E=a t-b
72nd hour 168th hour a b
Aromatic
Hydrocarbons
Toluene
…
Aliphatic
Hydrocarbons
n-Decane
…
Cycloalkanes
Cyclohexane
…
Terpenes
alpha-Pinene
…
Alcohols
1-Butanol
…
Aldehydes
Hexanal
…
Ketones
Cyclohexanone
…
Halocarbons
1,1,1-
Trichloroethane
…
Acids
Hexanoic acid
…
Esters
…
Others
…
TVOCsum
TVOCToluene
Formaldehyde
Acetaldehyde
Note: the power law is valid only for the period from 72 to 336 hours unless additional data
are available to validate the model for an extended period of time.

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 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

Table A7.3 Predicted Concentrations in a Typical Office Environment of a Single Office

Workstation System* (µg/m3)
(*Assuming a ventilation rate of 4.17 L/s (8.84 cfm) for a typical open plan environment or
9.63 L/s (20.4 cfm) for a typical private office environment as defined in Section 6.5)

VOC name Based on the measured Based on the Power-law Model

data Prediction
nd
72 hour 168th hour 336th hour
(3 days) (7 days) (14 days)
Aromatic
Hydrocarbons
Toluene
…
Aliphatic
Hydrocarbons
n-Decane
…
Cycloalkanes
Cyclohexane
…
Terpenes
alpha-Pinene
…
Alcohols
1-Butanol
…
Aldehydes
Hexanal
…
Ketones
Cyclohexanone
…
Halocarbons
1,1,1-
Trichloroethane
…
Acids
Hexanoic acid
…
Esters
…
Others
…
TVOCsum
TVOCToluene
Formaldehyde
Acetaldehyde

52
 ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007

Appendix 8 Sample Timing Constraints

Figure 8.1 Sample Timing Constraints Time Line

Note: The seven days in chamber will not require measuring emissions concentration during
a weekend if time zero begins on a Monday, Tuesday, or Friday.

END OF DOCUMENT

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