Berkeley Analytical Associates

Welcome to Berkeley Analytical

We are an environmental laboratory specializing in the analysis of organic chemicals (VOCs & SVOCs) emitted by and contained in building products, finishes, furniture, and consumer products such as toys. We use environmental chambers to measure chemical emissions and have the latest instruments to measure chemical content. We conduct research to advance product performance and reduce chemical risks to human health and the environment.


Highlights
Berkeley Analytical achieves Blue Angel accreditation...
Global harmonization of VOC emission test methods--will it happen?...
EPA toxicology review of formaldehyde confirms the California health assessment...
We now analyze toys and other products for phthalates…
Exposure scenarios for evaluating IAQ impacts of home building products...
Using small-scale chambers to meet California ARB’s Composite Wood ATCM...

Global Harmonization of VOC Emission Tests Methods -- Will it Happen?

June 17, 2010 — Al Hodgson presented “Emission Limits in Connection with IAQ Guidelines” at the June 2010 European Commission’s Workshop “Harmonized Framework on Indoor Material Labeling Schemes: Challenge with a Global Perspective.” The well-attended meeting in Milan, Italy aimed to gain a broad consensus among European Union (EU) environmental agencies and building product industry groups on: 1) Appropriate VOC emission test methods; and 2) A uniform approach for labeling schemes that will consist of core and optional criteria.

Considerable progress has been made toward EU harmonization objectives:

The European Committee on Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee 351 (TC351) is advancing a standardized test method, which will eventually supplement the current ISO 16000 series methods;
It appears that the TVOC metric will continue to play a role in the assessment of emissions;
Some Scandinavian countries favor human sensory panels and such panels likely will be included as an optional criterion;
Participants expressed support for developing a consistent list of target chemicals and associated concentration levels of concern. (Several countries already have an outright ban on human carcinogens, presumably with the exception of formaldehyde which is an IARC Group 1 carcinogen.)

According to Hodgson, it appears that the process of harmonization will occur slowly, but ultimately it may impact at least the test methods used in North America. Berkeley Analytical will stay abreast of developments in Europe through its involvement with ASTM, BIFMA, and other standards organizations.

Currently, Berkeley Analytical is qualified to conduct many of the Blue Angel tests for low-emitting products using European ISO methods.

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