ASTM D7339-18 PDF Download

A common test procedure used to ascertain the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from carpet samples is ASTM D7339-18. This test's objectives are to evaluate the environmental impact of carpet products indoors and confirm that VOC emission limitations are being met. It is also used to pinpoint and gauge the volume of VOC emissions from various building materials.

This test method uses sorbent tubes compatible with thermal desorption to collect and analyze exhaust gas from an emission chamber. Depending on the needs of the emissions testing technique, the collected VOCs are subsequently examined using thermal desorption-gas chromatography (TD-GC), mass spectrometry detection (MSD), and flame ionization detection (FID).

The test method may measure a variety of organic vapors that are compatible with GC, ranging in vapor pressure from roughly "n"-hexane to "n"-hexadecane. The ability to measure molecules outside of this volatility range may be limited. Qualitative information about the nature of these substances can still be helpful. Vapor concentrations in exhaust air can range between 1 g/m3 and 1 mg/m3.

It's vital to understand that not all substances released from carpets can be quantified using this test method. Appropriate test procedures or methods, such as Test Method D5197 for aldehyde determination, should be utilized for substances that are not susceptible to gas chromatography analysis.