Formaldehyde Studies in Conjunction with an Investigation of Mobile Homes for Air Conditioning and Heating Performance: Zone 1 Mobile Home Thermal Envelopes

摘要

This report explores the effects of improved insulation systems in mobile homes on the concentration of formaldehyde in the indoor environment. Researchers monitored formaldehyde concentrations in eight mobile homes, using the revised National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health chromotropic acid method and the pararosaniline method as sampling techniques. Tests were performed during fall and winter conditions and monitored formaldehyde concentration in interior living spaces and in the wall, ceiling, and floor cavities. The pararosaniline method yielded higher concentrations of formaldehyde and is generally considered to be a more sensitive method of analysis. Formaldehyde concentrations were highest in the full - size, single - wide mobile home under stagnation conditions. These concentrations increased with increases in water vapor pressure in several cases. The overall variability of formaldehyde concentrations was attributed to differences in construction materials and infiltration rates. There were no significant differences in formaldehyde concentrations between modules which could be linked to improved insulation levels. Data tables, diagrams, and five references are included. Discussions of these sampling techniques are appended. (Author abstract modified).