Ultra-fine particles release from hardcopy devices: sources, real-room measurements and efficiency of filter accessories.

The release of ultra-fine particles (UFP, d < 0.1 microm) from hardcopy devices such as laser printers into the indoor environment is currently a topic of high concern. The general emission behavior of a printer can be examined by conducting emission test chamber measurements with particle-counting devices.

Comparison of analytical techniques for the determination of aldehydes in test chambers.

The level of carbonyl compounds in indoor air is crucial due to possible health effects and the high prevalence of their potential sources. Therefore, selecting a convenient and rapid analytical technique for the reliable detection of carbonyl compound concentrations is important. The acetyl acetone (acac) method is a widely used standard procedure for detecting gaseous formaldehyde.

Evaluation of ultrafine particle emissions from laser printers using emission test chambers.

It has now been recognized that some hardcopy devices emit ultrafine particles (d(p) < 100 nm) during their operation. As a consequence, the time-dependent characterization of particle release from laser printers is of high interest in order to evaluate the exposure of office workers to such emissions. The emission profiles of different printers can be compared in test chambers using a standardized test protocol and measuring devices with high time resolution.

A microscale device for measuring emissions from materials for indoor use.

Emission test chambers or cells are used to determine organic vapour emissions from construction products under controlled conditions. Polymeric car trim component emissions are typically evaluated using direct thermal desorption/extraction. The Microchamber/Thermal Extractor (mu-CTE, Markes International) was developed to provide both a complementary tool for rapid screening of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions--suitable for industrial quality control--and a means for thermal extraction of larger, more representative samples of car trim components.

Influence of molecular parameters on the sink effect in test chambers.

Unlabelled: The determination of the specific emission rates of individual products and materials under indoor-related conditions requires the use of climate-controlled emission test chambers. However, most chambers demonstrate an inherent sink effect, i.e.

Plastics additives in the indoor environment--flame retardants and plasticizers.

Phthalic acid esters and phosphororganic compounds (POC) are generally known as semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and are frequently utilized as plasticizers and flame retardants in commercial products. In the indoor environment, both compound groups are released from a number of sources under normal living conditions and accumulate in air and dust. Therefore, inhalation of air and ingestion of house dust have to be considered as important pathways for the assessment of exposure in living habitats.