Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) consist of a broad range of carbon-based chemicals that vaporize at room temperature and, when in air, predominantly exist in the vapor phase. VOCs contained in products tend to diffuse to the surface and are emitted into the air over time. When these emissions occur indoors, building occupants are exposed via inhalation. VOCs of potential concern include:
Berkeley Analytical (BkA) specializes in the testing of building products for VOC emissions and the testing of furniture for VOC emissions using small-and large-scale environmental chambers. We are committed to meeting customers’ needs and can support your manufacturing operations with testing programs for product development, trouble-shooting, and quality control.
Our VOC emission testing services to standards such as, CDPH/EHLB Standard Method Version 1.1, and ANSI/BIFMA M7.1, provide the foundation for manufacturers’ self-declared claims and third-party certified claims for low-emitting building products and furnishings. These claims are used to earn credits in LEED®, CHPS, and other building rating systems. Green building codes such as CALGreen and ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA/USGBC Standard 189.1 require the same standards and claims to define acceptable products for new construction and renovation. Additionally, BkA provides a variety of other VOC services. Please contact us to discuss your testing requirements and objectives.
Testing Building Products for VOC Emissions
CDPH/EHLB Standard Method Version 1.1 (commonly known as CA Section 01350) is the most widely used standard in North America for testing and evaluating VOC emissions from building products including flooring, suspended ceilings, insulation, wall panels, paints and coatings, and wall coverings. This standard is referenced in many green building rating systems and green construction codes. The standard requires:
BkA has been involved with CA Section 01350 from its inception and can answer your questions, as well as guide you through the requirements of other programs using this standard.
Testing Furniture for VOC Emissions
The ANSI/BIFMA Standard Method M7.1 is the predominant North American method used for testing commercial furniture for emissions of VOCs. This standard is referenced in LEED® and ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA/USGBC Standard 189.1, and is incorporated into CDPH/EHLB Standard Method Version 1.1 for the testing of classroom and office furnishings. Our furniture testing services using M7.1 support the ANSI/BIFMA e3 sustainability standard and BIFMA’s level™ certification program. Seating, workstation components (work surface, storage, and panels), tables, and other furniture items are tested using our mid-scale chambers. Conformity assessment is conducted relative to ANSI/BIFMA X7.1, ANSI/BIFMA e3, and the guidelines in CDPH Standard Method Version 1.1.
BkA is highly engaged with the furniture industry. We serve on BIFMA’s FES Subcommittee and participated with Syracuse University on BIFMA sponsored research in support of M7.1. We can answer your technical questions and are well positioned to address all of your furniture emission testing needs.
BkA also works with manufacturers to create specialized testing programs that address other objectives, such as:
BkA is Blue Angel Accredited—The German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) has designated BkA as a testing institute for Blue Angel, a prestigious certification program for environmentally friendly products, particularly in the European market.
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