BRE IP12/03 PDF

This Information Paper discusses the methods for testing emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from flooring adhesives, and the related European standards. The introduction of a European labelling scheme, called EMICODE, has encouraged development of 'low-emission' and 'solvent-free' flooring adhesives in the European market. This Information Paper provides data about the criteria required by labelling schemes for flooring adhesives and evaluates the test methods used to define 'low-emission' products. Tables show the results of BRE tests on two types of solvent-based adhesives for flooring, a 'low-VOC' adhesive and four 'solvent-free' adhesives.