Formaldehyde Source Interaction Studies

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of various source combinations including wood products, urea-formaldehyde foam, and carpeting on chamber air space formaldehyde concentrations under dynamic sampling conditions. Results of these studies indicate that formaldehyde sources interact, resulting in emissions and formaldehyde levels which are not additive. The interaction of formaldehyde sources appears to be antagonistic. The mechanism of this interaction is suggested to consist of either, or both, sink processes and emission suppression phenomena associated with diffusion/vapor pressure gradients. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a strong correlation (r = 0.98) between the combination formaldehyde concentration and the source with the higher emission potential when tested singly. Partially additive effects are suggested from these studies as well as others when two sources of equal emission potential are sampled under dynamic conditions. The observed antagonistic interaction effects of formaldehyde sources may significantly influence the efficacy of formaldehyde control measures when removal or treatment measures are implemented. Interaction effects are also proposed to extend the half-life of emissions from formaldehyde sources.

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