United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Air and Energy Engineering
Research Laboratory
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Research and Development
EPA/600/S8-90/074 Jan. 1991
4yEPA Project Summary
Classification of Materials as
Potential Sources of Indoor Air
Pollution
P.W. Spaite, M.B. Stockton, and U.S. McLean
The report gives a complete classifi-
cation of all materials used in the con-
struction of, or brought inside, homes
and office buildings. In the classifica-
tion tables presented In the report,
shaded entries are potential sources of
Indoor air emissions. The classification
system is based on the U.S. Census of
Manufacturer's Standard Industrial
Codes (SICs). A comprehensive list of
all products found In buildings Is pre-
sented which demonstrates that materi-
als can be classified using a uniform
methodology for systematic evaluation
as potential indoor air pollution sources.
Other documents are planned which will
include more complete information on
the materials which are shown here as
potential sources of indoor air emis-
sions.
This Project Summary was developed
by EPA's Air and Energy Engineering
Research Laboratory, Research Triangle
Park, NC, to announce key findings of
the research project that Is fully docu-
mented In a separate report of the same
title (see Project Report ordering Infor-
mation at back).
Introduction
This report is the first of a series planned
by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA). It presents a classification
of building materials, fixtures and furnish-
ings, and consumer products used or found
in homes or offices, regardless of their
potential to emit air pollutants. The purpose
of this classification is to define the uni-
verse of materials and products in homes
and offices, to create an organized list of
these materials and products, and to es-
tablish a nomenclature for future indoor air
quality work. A subset of products are
identified in this classification that are
thought to represent the population of
manufactured items that warrant further
study as sources of indoor air pollution.
The classification system is based on
the U.S. Census of Manufacturer's Stan-
dard Industrial Codes (SICs). The classi-
fication was developed by reviewing the
approximately 11,000 products for which
data are collected by the Census of
Manufacturers to identify products used in
connection with construction of or use in
homes or office buildings. A cross-reference
to the Masterspec classification used by
the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is
provided where applicable. A comprehen-
sive list of all products found in buildings is
presented which demonstrates that mate-
rials can be classified using a uniform
methodology for systematic evaluation as
potential indoor air pollution sources.
Developing the subset of materials
thought to contribute to indoor air pollution
demonstrates that, after organizing and
categorizing materials methodically, a
manageable subset of materials of con-
cern can be identified. This subset of ap-
proximately 250 products also provides a
preliminary assessment of the scope of
analysis required to define the polluting
potential of individual products and to as-
sign priorities for further studies. This subset
of products represents the products rec-
ommended for further study. The list was
developed without locating supplemental
information that could provide the basis for
Printed on Recycled Paper
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decisions at this point. Rather, the
xise of the first screening was to dem-
trate that products most deserving of
ntion can be selected with relative ease
that the number of products needing
ter attention is a manageable subset of
11,000 products that make up the in-
trial output of the U.S. It is believed,
rever, that a less tentative list could be
eloped with additional effort and, al-
though the revised list would vary, it would
not undergo great changes in scope or
content.
Another document in the series would
refine this classification and provide more
information on the subset of materials and
products thought to be potential sources of
indoor air pollution deserving further study.
Information on chemical constituents, us-
age volumes, and sources of existing
emissions and exposure data would b
included. Another document, a handboo
for architects, building contractors, an.
homeowners, would contain information ot
constituents, exposure, and low- o
non-emitting alternatives for a selects
group of commonly used materials anc
products presenting a significant healU
risk.
P. Spaite is a consultant and M. Stockton and J. McLean are with Radian Corp.,
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
James B. White is the EPA Project Officer (see below).
The complete report, entitled "Classification of Materials as Potential Sources of Indoor
Air Pollution," (Order No. PB91-125708/AS; Cost: $17.00, subject to change) will be
available only from:
National Technical Information Service
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161
Telephone: 703-487-4650
The EPA Project Officer can be contacted at:
Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
ed States
ironmental Protection
ncy
Center for Environmental Research
Information
Cincinnati, OH 45268
BULK RATE
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alty for Private Use $300
>/600/S8-90/074
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