ASTM D5582-22

Standard Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Levels from Wood Products Using a Desiccator

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Limitations have been established on formaldehyde emission levels for wood panel building products made with urea-formaldehyde adhesives and permanently installed in homes or used as components in kitchen cabinets and for similar industrial products. This test method is used in conjunction with the test method referenced by HUD Rules and Regulations 24 CFR 3280 for manufactured housing, California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulation 93120, EPA TSCA Title VI 40 CFR Section 770, and by Minnesota Statutes Section 144.495 for housing units and building materials. This test method provides a means of testing small-size samples to determine formaldehyde emission potential.  
3.2 This test method incorporates a desiccator, with the desiccant removed, having a 250 mm (10 in.) inside diameter and a volume of approximately 10.5 L (641 in.3) with the desiccator lid in place. Conditions controlled in the procedure are as follows:  
3.2.1 Conditioning of panel products prior to testing,  
3.2.2 Specified number, size, and edge sealing of wood specimens to be placed in the desiccator,  
3.2.3 Test desiccator temperature, and  
3.2.4 Samples from the 25 mL distilled water collection medium in the petri dish bottom are analyzed for formaldehyde at the end of a 2-h period in the closed desiccator.  
3.3 This test method employs a single set of environmental conditions to assess formaldehyde emission potential from certain wood products. When the relationship between desiccator test values and large-chamber test values are to be determined, the values for the specific wood panel product type shall be plotted. This test method does allow a comparison of formaldehyde levels from different products for the same use.  
3.3.1 Care must be exercised in the extension of the results to actual formaldehyde emission from products under actual use conditions.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a small scale procedure for measuring formaldehyde emission potential from wood products under defined test conditions. The formaldehyde level is determined by collecting air-borne formaldehyde in a small distilled water reservoir within a closed desiccator. The quantity of formaldehyde is determined by a modification of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 3500 chromotropic acid test procedure. Other analytical procedures may be used to determine formaldehyde emission potential provided that such methods give similar results to the chromotropic acid procedure. However, the test results and test report must be properly qualified and the analytical procedure employed must be noted. Procedures based on acetylacetone and pararosaniline have been found to give similar results to chromotropic acid in other test methods used in determining formaldehyde emission potential from wood products (see Test Method E1333).  
1.2 Wood products typically evaluated by this test method are made with urea-formaldehyde adhesives and include particle-board, hardwood plywood, and medium-density fiberboard. This test method is used for product quality control and is a small bench test method that correlates with the large-scale acceptance test for determining formaldehyde levels from wood products, Test Method E1333. Alternative conditioning intervals may give better correlation, such as seven day conditioning that parallels Test Method E1333. The general desiccator testing procedure may be modified for different conditioning times to accommodate its use in manufacturing quality control. However, the test results must be properly qualified and the conditioning time employed must be noted.  
Note 1: If modifications are made to the conditioning period for quality control purposes, it is important that the modification is consistently applied. Otherwise, the results may not be comparable.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provide...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jul-2022
• ICS: 71.100.50 - Wood-protecting chemicals
• Technical Committee: D07 - Wood
• Drafting Committee: D07.03 - Panel Products

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E77-14 - Standard Test Method for Inspection and Verification of Thermometers
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM E1333-10 - Standard Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Concentrations in Air and Emission Rates from Wood Products Using a Large Chamber
• Effective Date: 01-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM E77-07 - Standard Test Method for Inspection and Verification of Thermometers
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2007
• Refers: ASTM E337-02(2007) - Standard Test Method for Measuring Humidity with a Psychrometer (the Measurement of Wet- and Dry-Bulb Temperatures)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2007
• Refers: ASTM E77-98(2003) - Standard Test Method for Inspection and Verification of Thermometers
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2003
• Refers: ASTM E337-02 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Humidity with a Psychrometer (the Measurement of Wet- and Dry-Bulb Temperatures)
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2002
• Refers: ASTM E1333-96(2002) - Standard Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Concentrations in Air and Emission Rates from Wood Products Using a Large Chamber
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1996
• Refers: ASTM E337-84(1996)e1 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Humidity with a Psychrometer (the Measurement of Wet- and Dry-Bulb Temperatures)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1996

Overview

ASTM D5582-22, the "Standard Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Levels from Wood Products Using a Desiccator," is a recognized industry procedure for measuring the emission potential of formaldehyde from engineered wood products. Developed by ASTM International, this standard outlines a small-scale laboratory method that helps manufacturers, regulators, and quality control professionals ensure compliance with formaldehyde emission limits as required by various regulations, including HUD Rules and Regulations (24 CFR 3280), California Air Resources Board (CARB) 93120, EPA TSCA Title VI, and other state and federal guidelines.

By facilitating the evaluation of formaldehyde emissions from products such as particleboard, hardwood plywood, and medium-density fiberboard-typically made with urea-formaldehyde adhesives-this standard supports health and safety in residential and commercial applications.

Key Topics

• Formaldehyde Emission Testing: Provides a means of assessing the potential for formaldehyde emissions from wood products using a controlled desiccator test.
• Desiccator Method: Employs a sealed glass desiccator containing precut, conditioned wood product specimens and a distilled water reservoir to collect airborne formaldehyde over a 2-hour period.
• Analytical Approach: The collected formaldehyde is quantified using a modified National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 3500 chromotropic acid test. Alternative validated chemistry methods, such as those involving acetylacetone or pararosaniline, may also be accepted.
• Sample Preparation: Specifies the number, size, preparation, and edge sealing of wood product test specimens, as well as environmental conditioning prior to analysis.
• Reproducibility and Quality Control: Designed to deliver repeatable, comparable results suitable for manufacturing quality control, enabling correlation with large-scale chamber tests such as ASTM E1333.

Applications

• Regulatory Compliance: Essential for manufacturers of composite wood products to demonstrate compliance with state and federal regulations on formaldehyde emissions, including CARB, EPA, and HUD requirements.
• Product Certification and Quality Assurance: Used for routine batch testing to confirm ongoing product quality and adherence to emission limits.
• Manufactured Housing and Building Materials: Supports evaluation and selection of materials for use in home construction, cabinetry, furniture, and interior paneling to meet indoor air quality standards.
• Research and Development: Facilitates experimentation with alternative adhesives, coating systems, and manufacturing practices to reduce formaldehyde release.

Related Standards

To ensure a comprehensive approach to formaldehyde emission testing and reporting, consider the following related standards:

• ASTM E1333 – Large chamber test for determining formaldehyde concentrations in air and emission rates from wood products.
• ASTM E77 – Verification of thermometers, relevant for temperature control during testing.
• ASTM E337 – Measurement of humidity using a psychrometer, for precise environmental conditioning.
• NIOSH Method 3500 – Chromotropic acid procedure referenced as the baseline analytical method.
• HUD 24 CFR 3280 – Federal standard for manufactured home construction and safety.
• CARB 93120 – California's regulation for reducing formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products.
• EPA TSCA Title VI (40 CFR 770) – Formaldehyde standards for composite wood products.
• Minnesota Statutes Section 144.495 – State-specific requirements for formaldehyde gas regulation in building materials.

---

By following ASTM D5582-22, organizations can reliably measure and monitor formaldehyde emissions from wood products, ensure health and safety compliance, and promote trust in construction and furnishings using composite wood materials. This standard is a critical tool for supporting indoor air quality initiatives and regulatory adherence across the wood products industry.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5582 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Determining Formaldehyde Levels from Wood Products
Using a Desiccator
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5582; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.1 This test method covers a small scale procedure for
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
measuring formaldehyde emission potential from wood prod-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
ucts under defined test conditions. The formaldehyde level is
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.For
determined by collecting air-borne formaldehyde in a small
specific hazard statements, see Section 6 and 8.2.5.
distilled water reservoir within a closed desiccator. The quan-
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
tity of formaldehyde is determined by a modification of the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3500 chromotropic acid test procedure. Other analytical pro-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
cedures may be used to determine formaldehyde emission
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
potential provided that such methods give similar results to the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
chromotropic acid procedure. However, the test results and test
report must be properly qualified and the analytical procedure
2. Referenced Documents
employed must be noted. Procedures based on acetylacetone
2.1 ASTM Standards:
and pararosaniline have been found to give similar results to
E77 Test Method for Inspection and Verification of Ther-
chromotropic acid in other test methods used in determining
mometers
formaldehyde emission potential from wood products (see Test
E337 Test Method for Measuring Humidity with a Psy-
Method E1333).
chrometer (the Measurement of Wet- and Dry-Bulb Tem-
1.2 Wood products typically evaluated by this test method
peratures)
are made with urea-formaldehyde adhesives and include
E1333 Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Concen-
particle-board, hardwood plywood, and medium-density fiber-
trations in Air and Emission Rates from Wood Products
board. This test method is used for product quality control and
Using a Large Chamber
is a small bench test method that correlates with the large-scale
2.2 HUD Document:
acceptance test for determining formaldehyde levels from
24 CFR 3280, Manufactured Home Construction and Safety
wood products, Test Method E1333. Alternative conditioning
Standards, Federal Register, Vol 49, No. 155
intervals may give better correlation, such as seven day
2.3 NIOSH Document:
conditioning that parallels Test Method E1333. The general
Formaldehyde Method 3500, U.S. Department of Health,
desiccator testing procedure may be modified for different
and Human Services
conditioning times to accommodate its use in manufacturing
2.4 Other Documents:
quality control. However, the test results must be properly
Minnesota Statutes Section 144.495, 325F.18, and 325F.181,
qualified and the conditioning time employed must be noted.
Formaldehyde Gases in Building Materials
NOTE 1—If modifications are made to the conditioning period for
California Air Resources Board (CARB), California Code of
quality control purposes, it is important that the modification is consis-
Regulations Sections 93120-93120.12, Title 17 Airborne
tently applied. Otherwise, the results may not be comparable.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
1 3
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D07 on Wood Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4,
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D07.03 on Panel Products. Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http://
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2022. Published September 2022. Originally www.dodssp.daps.mil.
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D5582 – 14. DOI: Available from Print Communications, Dept. of Administration, 117 University
10.1520/D5582-22. Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5582 − 22
Toxic Control Measure to Reduce Formaldehyde Emis- 5. Apparatus
sions from Composite Wood Products
5.1 Desiccator—The interior volume of the desiccator shall
EPA TSCA Title VI 40 CFR Section 770, Formaldehyde
be 10.5 L (641 in. ). Any desiccant shall have been removed,
Standards for Composite Wood Products
the interior of the desiccator thoroughly cleaned, and the
porcelain desiccator plate replaced in the desiccator. The
3. Significance and Use
bearing areas of the desiccator and desiccator lid shall be
3.1 Limitations have been established on formaldehyde
greased so that the container will be air tight during the
emission levels for wood panel building products made with
duration of the 2-h test.
urea-formaldehyde adhesives and permanently installed in
5.2 Petri Dish and Beaker—A clean 400 mL beaker to be
homes or used as components in kitchen cabinets and for
inverted as a reservoir support and the bottom of a 100 mm by
similar industrial products. This test method is used in con-
20 mm petri as a distilled water reservoir dish shall be available
junction with the test method referenced by HUD Rules and
for each desiccator test.
Regulations 24 CFR 3280 for manufactured housing, Califor-
nia Air Resources Board (CARB) regulation 93120, EPA
5.3 Test Room or Area—A room or test area capable of
TSCA Title VI 40 CFR Section 770, and by Minnesota Statutes
being maintained at 24 °C 6 1 °C (75 °F 6 2 °F) shall be
Section 144.495 for housing units and building materials. This
available for conducting desiccator tests.
test method provides a means of testing small-size samples to
NOTE 2—If liquid-in-glass thermometers are used for determining or
determine formaldehyde emission potential.
checking the temperature of the test area, see Test Method E77.
3.2 This test method incorporates a desiccator, with the
5.4 Examples of acceptable reagents, materials, and equip-
desiccant removed, having a 250 mm (10 in.) inside diameter
ment are provided in Appendix X1.
and a volume of approximately 10.5 L (641 in. ) with the
desiccator lid in place. Conditions controlled in the procedure
6. Hazards
are as follows:
3.2.1 Conditioning of panel products prior to testing,
6.1 Chromotropic Acid Reagent Treatment (see 8.2.4 and
3.2.2 Specified number, size, and edge sealing of wood
A3.5)—During this hazardous operation, the operator shall
specimens to be placed in the desiccator,
wear rubber gloves, apron, and a full face mask or be protected
3.2.3 Test desiccator temperature, and
from splashing by a transparent shield such as a hood window.
3.2.4 Samples from the 25 mL distilled water collection
The solution becomes extremely hot during the addition of
medium in the petri dish bottom are analyzed for formaldehyde
sulfuric acid. Add slowly to avoid loss of sample due to
at the end of a 2-h period in the closed desiccator.
splattering.
3.3 This test method employs a single set of environmental
6.2 Cleaning Chemicals for Glassware—Appropriate pre-
conditions to assess formaldehyde emission potential from
cautions shall be taken if cleaning chemicals are considered to
certain wood products. When the relationship between desic-
be hazardous.
cator test values and large-chamber test values are to be
determined, the values for the specific wood panel product type
7. Test Specimens
shall be plotted. This test method does allow a comparison of
formaldehyde levels from different products for the same use. 7.1 Use eight 70 mm 6 2 mm by 127 mm 6 2 mm (2 ⁄4 in.
3.3.1 Care must be exercised in the extension of the results 6 0.08 in. by 5 in. 6 0.08 in.) by panel thickness specimens for
to actual formaldehyde emission from products under actual each desiccator test. Cut specimens from the sample panel or
use conditions. panel segment to obtain adequate representation of areas within
the panel or panel segment. The fresh cut edges and ends of
4. Interferences
each specimen shall be at least 25 mm (1 in.) from the edges
and ends of the sample panel or panel segment. When a product
4.1 The NIOSH 3500 analytical method lists phenols as a
has significantly different emission characteristics for each
negative interference when present at an 8:1 excess over
surface and has only one surface exposed to the building space,
formaldehyde. Modifications in the analytical procedure shall
also use sixteen 70 mm 6 2 mm by 127 mm 6 2 mm (2 ⁄4 in.
be made when this test method is used to accurately determine
6 0.08 in. by 5 in. 6 0.08 in.) test pieces to prepare eight
the formaldehyde emission potential from wood products made
7, 8
double-piece back-to-back specimens.
with phenol-formaldehyde adhesive systems.
7.2 Specimen Edge Sealing—Remove sawdust and loose
splinters from each test specimen. Coat the edges and ends of
Available from California EPA website: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/
each single or double-piece specimen by immersion in melted
compwood/compwood.htm.
Available from United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), William paraffin wax. Apply at least two coats. The wax shall cover no
Jefferson Clinton Bldg., 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20460, 3
more than 5 mm ( ⁄16 in.) of either face around the coated
http://www.epa.gov.
perimeter.
Hakes, D., Johnson, G., and Marhevka, J., Procedure for Elimination of Phenol
Interference in the Chromotropic Acid Method for Formaldehyde, American
7.3 Specimen Conditioning—Then condition the specimens
Industrial Hygiene Association, April 1984.
on edge, spaced apart, so air can freely circulate across all
Technical Bulletin No. 415, National Council of the Paper Industry for Air and
Stream Improvement Inc. (NCASI), 1983. surfaces for seven days 64 h at 24 °C 6 1 °C (75 °F 6 2 °F)
D5582 − 22
and 50 6 10 % relative humidity. The formaldehyde concen- tubes for duplicate analysis. Label to avoid subsequent error.
tration in the air within 30 cm (12 in.) of where the specimens Alternatively, use three tubes for triplicate analysis.
are conditioned shall be not more than 0.04 ppm during the
8.2.2 Pipet 4 mL of distilled water into a 16 mm by 150 mm
conditioning period.
screw capped test tube to act as a “blank.”
8.2.3 Add 0.1 mL of 1 % chromotropic acid reagent to each
NOTE 3—Conditioning time less than seven days and specimens with
edges and ends not coated with paraffin wax may be used for quality test tube and shake to mix.
control or informational testing; however these and other test method
8.2.4 Slowly and carefully pipet 6.0 mL concentrated sul-
modifications shall be clearly indicated in the test report. Modifications to
furic acid into each test tube (Warning—See 6.1.) and allow to
conditioning time or edge treatment, or both, will affect the test results;
flow down the side of test tube. Allow the volumetric pipet to
therefore, correlation to other test methods may need to be re-established.
NOTE 4— If liquid-in-glass thermometers or psychrometers, or both, are drain. Do not blow out. Before placing caps on test tubes,
used for determining or checking the temperature or the relative humidity,
check the condition of the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) cap
or both, of the conditioning area, see Test Methods E77 and E337.
liners to make sure they are clean and not deteriorated.
8. Procedure 8.2.5 Ensure adequate mixing by use of a vibrating labora-
NOTE 5—A list of test apparatus and chemical reagents are provided in
tory mixer or other means. Mixing is complete when there is no
Appendix X1.
sign of stratification. If absorbance readings routinely exceed
8.1 Test Procedure for Materials:
1.0 or if spectrophotometric analysis is performed within 2 h,
8.1.1 Conduct tests in a room maintained at 24 °C 6 1 °C heat capped test tubes to 95°C or place in a boiling water bath
(75 °F 6 2 °F). Equilibrate the desiccator, petri dish bottom, for 15 6 2 min to ensure that the chemical reaction is
and distilled water to room conditions. complete. After removal, allow the test tubes to cool to room
8.1.2 Before each test, wipe the desiccator with a clean cloth temperature. Carefully vent test tubes to release pressure.
or paper towel moistened with distilled water, and then dry (Warning—Avoid rapid mixing as heating and pressure will
with a clean dry cloth or paper towel. increase and potentially break the test tube.)
8.1.2.1 Formaldehyde can be used as a constituent of
8.2.6 Allow the tubes to cool to room temperature. Do not
wet-strength resins for paper and of permanent-press resins for
accelerate the cooling. Avoid cooling tubes in direct sunlight as
fabrics. The type of cloth or paper towel selected for cleaning
this may alter color chromogen development. Transfer the
must be formaldehyde-free.
solution to cuvettes (if necessary). At this point, small bubbles
8.1.3 Apply a light coating of vacuum grease to the desic-
may be rising through the solution. Do not make absorbance
cator lid and desiccator. Avoid excessive use of vacuum grease.
readings until the solution is clear.
8.1.4 Arrange specimens as prepared in 7.1 and 7.2 and
8.3 Absorbance Readings:
condition as in 7.3 on top of the porcelain desiccator plate
8.3.1 Prior to performing this test method for the first time,
around an inverted 400 mL beaker as a 100 mm 6 7 mm (4 in.
1 a calibration curve shall be developed. See Annex A3.
6 ⁄4 in.) high support inside the desiccator for the petri dish
8.3.2 Standardize the spectrophotometer using distilled wa-
bottom distilled water reservoir. Specimens should be arranged
ter at 580 nm in accordance with the instrument’s operating
so that air has access to all surfaces and edges. To obtain an
instructions. The reagent blank shall be read against distilled
empty desiccator reading, test one desiccator without any test
water. A high absorbance for the reagent indicates contamina-
specimens. An empty desiccator reading greater than 0.05
tion of reagent blank or improper solution preparation. If
μg/mL indicates that the test system has been contaminated and
absorbance for the reagent blank compared to distilled water is
the test results shall be voided for all related samples in the test
above 0.040 (using a 12 mm cell path length) or above 0.030
process.
(using a 10 mm cell path length), repeat the entire standard-
8.1.5 Pipet 25 mL of distilled water into the bottom portion
ization procedure.
of petri dish.
8.1.6 Carefully lower the petri dish bottom containing 8.3.3 Zero the instrument on the reagent blank, or leave the
distilled water into the desiccator until it rests upon the inverted
instrument zeroed on distilled water, and subtract the absor-
400 mL beaker. bance of the reagent blank from the absorbance of the sample
8.1.7 Slide the desiccator lid into place making sure a good
solutions.
seal is obtained.
8.3.4 Read and record absorbance at 580 nm of each sample
8.1.8 Observe and record the time.
prepared (see 9.1 for calculation).
8.1.9 Record the desiccator test room temperature at 30-min
8.3.5 When a precise desiccator value is required and the
intervals. Alternatively, use a continuous temperature recorder.
sample solution is found to fall outside the stated absorbance
Report any temperature range deviations.
range (greater than 1.0 or as determined in A3.9), repeat 8.2.1
8.1.10 After 120 6 1 min, remove the desiccator lid and
– 8.3.4. Otherwise, report the desiccator value associated with
carefully remove the petri dish. Proceed immediately to 8.2.1.
a greater than 1.0 absorbance value. When 8.2.1 – 8.3.4 are
When running multiple desiccator tests, initiate 8.2.1 within 10
repeated, appropriately dilute the sample solution to fall within
min, otherwise cover the petri dish or dishes with parafilm
the preferred absorbance r
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D5582 − 14 D5582 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Determining Formaldehyde Levels from Wood Products
Using a Desiccator
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5582; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers a small scale procedure for measuring formaldehyde emission potential from wood products under
defined test conditions. The formaldehyde level is determined by collecting air-borne formaldehyde in a small distilled water
reservoir within a closed desiccator. The quantity of formaldehyde is determined by a modification of the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) 3500 chromotropic acid test procedure. Other analytical procedures may be used to
determine formaldehyde emission potential provided that such methods give similar results to the chromotropic acid procedure.
However, the test results and test report must be properly qualified and the analytical procedure employed must be noted.
Procedures based on acetylacetone and pararosaniline have been found to give similar results to chromotropic acid in other test
methods used in determining formaldehyde emission potential from wood products (see Test Method E1333).
1.2 Wood products typically evaluated by this test method are made with urea-formaldehyde adhesives and include particleboard,
hardwood,particle-board, hardwood plywood, and medium-density fiberboard. This test method is used for product quality control
and is a small bench test method that correlates with the large-scale acceptance test for determining formaldehyde levels from wood
products, Test Method E1333. Alternative conditioning intervals may give better correlation, such as seven day conditioning that
parallels Test Method E1333. The general desiccator testing procedure may be modified for different conditioning times to
accommodate its use in manufacturing quality control. However, the test results must be properly qualified and the conditioning
time employed must be noted.
NOTE 1—If modifications are made to the conditioning period for quality control purposes, it is important that the modification is consistently applied.
Otherwise, the results may not be comparable.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.after
SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.For specific hazard statements, see Section 6 and 8.2.5.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D07 on Wood and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D07.03 on Panel Products.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2014Aug. 1, 2022. Published September 2014September 2022. Originally approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 20062014
as D5582 – 00 (2006).D5582 – 14. DOI: 10.1520/D5582-14.10.1520/D5582-22.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5582 − 22
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E77 Test Method for Inspection and Verification of Thermometers
E337 Test Method for Measuring Humidity with a Psychrometer (the Measurement of Wet- and Dry-Bulb Temperatures)
E1333 Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Concentrations in Air and Emission Rates from Wood Products Using a
Large Chamber
2.2 HUD Document:
24 CFR 3280, Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, Federal Register, Vol 49, No. 155
2.3 NIOSH Document:
Formaldehyde Method 3500, U.S. Department of Health, and Human Services
2.4 Other Documents:
Minnesota Statutes Section 144.495, 325F.18, and 325F.181, Formaldehyde Gases in Building Materials
California Air Resources Board (CARB), California Code of Regulations Sections 93120-93120.12, Title 17 Airborne Toxic
Control Measure to Reduce Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products
EPA TSCA Title VI 40 CFR Section 770, Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products
3. Significance and Use
3.1 Limitations have been established on formaldehyde emission levels for wood panel building products made with
urea-formaldehyde adhesives and permanently installed in homes or used as components in kitchen cabinets and for similar
industrial products. This test method is used in conjunction with the test method referenced by HUD Rules and Regulations 24
CFR 3280 for manufactured housing, California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulation 93120, EPA TSCA Title VI 40 CFR
Section 770, and by Minnesota Statutes Section 144.495 for housing units and building materials. This test method provides a
means of testing small-size samples to determine formaldehyde emission potential.
3.2 This test method incorporates a desiccator, with the desiccant removed, having a 250-mm (10-in.) 250 mm (10 in.) inside
diameter and a volume of approximately 10.5 L (641 in. ) with the desiccator lid in place. Conditions controlled in the procedure
are as follows:
3.2.1 Conditioning of panel products prior to testing,
3.2.2 Specified number, size, and edge sealing of wood specimens to be placed in the desiccator,
3.2.3 Test desiccator temperature, and
3.2.4 Samples from the 25-mL 25 mL distilled water collection medium in the petri dish bottom are analyzed for formaldehyde
at the end of a 2-h period in the closed desiccator.
3.3 This test method employs a single set of environmental conditions to assess formaldehyde emission potential from certain
wood products. When the relationship between desiccator test values and large-chamber test values are to be determined, the values
for the specific wood panel product type shall be plotted. This test method does allow a comparison of formaldehyde levels from
different products for the same use.
NOTE 2—Care must be exercised in the extension of the results to actual formaldehyde emission from products under actual use conditions.
3.3.1 Care must be exercised in the extension of the results to actual formaldehyde emission from products under actual use
conditions.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, DODSSP, Bldg. 4, Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5098, http://www.dodssp.daps.mil.
Available from Print Communications, Dept. of Administration, 117 University Ave., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Available from California EPA website: http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/compwood/compwood.htm.
Available from United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), William Jefferson Clinton Bldg., 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20460,
http://www.epa.gov.
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4. Interferences
4.1 The NIOSH 3500 analytical method lists phenols as a negative interference when present at an 8:1 excess over formaldehyde.
Modifications in the analytical procedure shall be made when this test method is used to accurately determine the formaldehyde
7, 8
emission potential from wood products made with phenol-formaldehyde adhesive systems.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Desiccator—The interior volume of the desiccator shall be 10.5 L (641 in. ). Any desiccant shall have been removed, the
interior of the desiccator thoroughly cleaned, and the porcelain desiccator plate replaced in the desiccator. The bearing areas of the
desiccator and desiccator lid shall be greased so that the container will be air tight during the duration of the 2-h test.
5.2 Petri Dish and Beaker—A clean 400-mL 400 mL beaker to be inverted as a reservoir support and the bottom of a 100 mm
by 20-mm 20 mm petri as a distilled water reservoir dish shall be available for each desiccator test.
5.3 Test Room or Area—A room or test area capable of being maintained at 2424 °C 6 1°C (751 °C (75 °F 6 2°F)2 °F) shall be
available for conducting desiccator tests.
NOTE 2—If liquid-in-glass thermometers are used for determining or checking the temperature of the test area, see Test Method E77.
5.4 Examples of acceptable reagents, materials, and equipment are provided in Appendix X1.
6. Hazards
6.1 Chromotropic Acid Reagent Treatment (see 8.2.4 and A3.5)—During this hazardous operation, the operator shall wear rubber
gloves, apron, and a full face mask or be protected from splashing by a transparent shield such as a hood window. The solution
becomes extremely hot during the addition of sulfuric acid. Add slowly to avoid loss of sample due to splattering.
6.2 Cleaning Chemicals for Glassware—Appropriate precautions shall be taken if cleaning chemicals are considered to be
hazardous.
7. Test Specimens
7.1 Use eight 70 mm 6 2 mm by 127 mm 6 2-mm 2 mm (2 ⁄4 in. 6 0.08 in. by 5 in. 6 0.08 in.) by panel thickness specimens
for each desiccator test. Cut specimens from the sample panel or panel segment to obtain adequate representation of areas within
the panel or panel segment. The fresh cut edges and ends of each specimen shall be at least 25 mm (1 in.) from the edges and ends
of the sample panel or panel segment. When a product has significantly different emission characteristics for each surface and has
only one surface exposed to the building space, also use sixteen 70 mm 6 2 mm by 127 mm 6 2 mm (2 ⁄4 in. 6 0.08 in. by 5
in. 6 0.08 in.) test pieces to prepare eight double-piece back-to-back specimens.
7.2 Specimen Edge Sealing—Remove sawdust and loose splinters from each test specimen. Coat the edges and ends of each single
or double-piece specimen by immersion in melted paraffin wax. Apply at least two coats. The wax shall cover no more than 5 mm
( ⁄16 in.) of either face around the coated perimeter.
7.3 Specimen Conditioning—Then condition the specimens on edge, spaced apart, so air can freely circulate across all surfaces
for seven days 64 h at 2424 °C 6 1°C (751 °C (75 °F 6 2°F)2 °F) and 50 6 10 % relative humidity. The formaldehyde
concentration in the air within 30 cm (12 in.) of where the specimens are conditioned shall be not more than 0.04 ppm during the
conditioning period.
NOTE 3—Conditioning time less than seven days and specimens with edges and ends not coated with paraffin wax may be used for quality control or
informational testing; however these and other test method modifications shall be clearly indicated in the test report. Modifications to conditioning time
or edge treatment, or both, will affect the test results; therefore, correlation to other test methods may need to be re-established.
Hakes, D., Johnson, G., and Marhevka, J., Procedure for Elimination of Phenol Interference in the Chromotropic Acid Method for Formaldehyde, American Industrial
Hygiene Association, April 1984.
Technical Bulletin No. 415, National Council of the Paper Industry for Air and Stream Improvement Inc. (NCASI), 1983.
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NOTE 4— If liquid-in-glass thermometers or psychrometers, or both, are used for determining or checking the temperature or the relative humidity, or
both, of the conditioning area, see Test Methods E77 and E337.
8. Procedure
NOTE 5—A list of test apparatus and chemical reagents are provided in Appendix X1.
8.1 Test Procedure for Materials:
8.1.1 Conduct tests in a room maintained at 2424 °C 6 0.6°C (751 °C (75 °F 6 1°F).2 °F). Equilibrate the desiccator, petri dish
bottom, and distilled water to room conditions.
8.1.2 Before each test, wipe the desiccator with a clean cloth or paper towel moistened with distilled water, and then dry with a
clean dry cloth or paper towel.
NOTE 7—Formaldehyde can be used as a constituent of wet-strength resins for paper and of permanent-press resins for fabrics. The type of cloth or paper
towel selected for cleaning must be formaldehyde-free.
8.1.2.1 Formaldehyde can be used as a constituent of wet-strength resins for paper and of permanent-press resins for fabrics. The
type of cloth or paper towel selected for cleaning must be formaldehyde-free.
8.1.3 Apply a light coating of vacuum grease to the desiccator lid and desiccator. Avoid excessive use of vacuum grease.
8.1.4 Arrange specimens as prepared in 7.1 and 7.2 and condition as in 7.3 on top of the porcelain desiccator plate around an
inverted 400-mL 400 mL beaker as a 100 mm 6 7-mm 7 mm (4 in. 6 ⁄4-in.) in.) high support inside the desiccator for the petri
dish bottom distilled water reservoir. Specimens should be arranged so that air has access to all surfaces and edges. To obtain an
empty desiccator reading, test one desiccator without any test specimens. An empty desiccator reading greater than 0.05 μg/mL
indicates that the test system has been contaminated and the test results shall be voided for all related samples in the test process.
8.1.5 Pipet 25 mL of distilled water into the bottom portion of petri dish.
8.1.6 Carefully lower the petri dish bottom containing distilled water into the desiccator until it rests upon the inverted 400-mL
400 mL beaker.
8.1.7 Slide the desiccator lid into place making sure a good seal is obtained.
8.1.8 Observe and record the time.
8.1.9 MaintainRecord the desiccator test room at 24 6 0.1°C (75 6 2°F). Record the temperature at 30-min intervals.
Alternatively, use a continuous temperature recorder. Report any temperature range deviations.
8.1.10 After 120 6 1 min, remove the desiccator lid and carefully remove the petri dish. Proceed immediately to 8.2.1. When
running multiple desiccator tests, initiate 8.2.1 within 10 min, otherwise cover the petri dish or dishes with parafilm while awaiting
analysis.
8.2 Analysis of Water Samples:
8.2.1 Gently swirl the petri dish and pipet 4 mL of the solution into each of two 16 mm by 150-mm 150 mm screw cap test tubes
for duplicate analysis. Label to avoid subsequent error. Alternatively, use three tubes for triplicate analysis.
8.2.2 Pipet 4 mL of distilled water into a 16 mm by 150-mm 150 mm screw capped test tube to act as a “blank.”
8.2.3 Add 0.1 mL of 1 % chromotropic acid reagent to each test tube and shake to mix.
8.2.4 Slowly and carefully pipet 6.0 mL concentrated sulfuric acid into each test tube (PrecautionWarning—See 6.1.) and allow
to flow down the side of test tube. Allow the volumetric pipet to drain. Do not blow out. Before placing caps on test tubes, check
the condition of the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) cap liners to make sure they are clean and not deteriorated.
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8.2.5 Ensure adequate mixing by use of a vibrating laboratory mixer or other means. Mixing is complete when there is no sign
of stratification. If absorbance readings routinely exceed 1.0 or if spectrophotometric analysis is performed within 2 h, heat capped
test tubes to 95°C or place in a boiling water bath for 15 6 2 min to ensure that the chemical reaction is complete. After removal,
allow the test tubes to cool to room temperature. Carefully vent test tubes to release pressure. (Warning—Avoid rapid mixing as
heating and pressure will increase and potentially break the test tube.)
8.2.6 Allow the tubes to cool to room temperature. Do not accelerate the cooling. Avoid cooling tubes in direct sunlight as this
may alter color chromogen development. Transfer the solution to cuvettes (if necessary). At this point, small bubbles may be rising
through the solution. Do not make absorbance readings until the solution is clear.
8.3 Absorbance Readings:
8.3.1 Prior to performing this test method for the first time, a calibration curve shall be developed. See Annex A3.
8.3.2 Standardize the spectrophotometer using distilled water at 580 nm in accordance with the instrument’s operating instructions.
The reagent blank shall be read against distilled water. A high absorbance for the reagent indicates contamination of reagent blank
or improper solution preparation. If absorbance for the reagent blank compared to distilled water is above 0.040 (using a 12-mm
12 mm cell path length) or above 0.030 (using a 10-mm 10 mm cell path length), repeat the entire standardization procedure.
8.3.3 Zero the instrument on the reagent blank, or leave the instrument zeroed on distilled water, and subtract the absorbance of
the reagent blank from the absorbance of the sample solutions.
8.3.4 Read and record absorbance at 580 nm of each sample prepared (see 9.1 for calculation).
8.3.5 When a precise desi
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