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Health evaluation of volatile organic compound (VOC) emission from exotic wood products
Author(s) -
Kirkeskov L.,
Witterseh T.,
Funch L. W.,
Kristiansen E.,
Mølhave L.,
Hansen M. K.,
Knudsen B. B.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
indoor air
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.387
H-Index - 99
eISSN - 1600-0668
pISSN - 0905-6947
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0668.2008.00560.x
Subject(s) - natural rubber , environmental science , volatile organic compound , pulp and paper industry , environmental chemistry , toxicology , chemistry , biology , engineering , organic chemistry
The purpose of this study was to measure and evaluate the impact of the emissions of selected products of exotic wood on health. Ten products were screened for chemical compounds, and five of the most used products which emitted more than 800 microg/kg were selected for further quantitative analyses by climate chamber measurement (iroko, ramin, sheesham, merbau, and rubber tree). Samples of exotic wood (rubber tree and belalu) were further analyzed for emission of chemical compounds by migration into artificial saliva and for content of pesticides and allergenic natural rubber latex (NR latex) (rubber tree). The toxicological effects of all substances identified were evaluated and the lowest concentrations of interest (LCI) assessed. An R-value was calculated for each wood product (R-value below 1 is considered to be unproblematic as regards health). Emission from the evaluated exotic wood only took place to a very limited extent. None of the selected products, under the chosen rating system, is likely to cause adverse health effects. Products with surface treatment might pose a problem if used as kitchen utensils, as children's toys, or when they are in close contact with the skin for a long time.