Comparative response of reconstituted wood products to European and North American test methods for determining formaldehyde emissions

European and North American test methods for determining formaldehyde emissions from wood products were compared, using two analytical techniques: chromotropic acid and pararosaniline chemistry. Five particle boards and one medium-density fiberboard were tested. Values produced by the European large-chamber test were 20% lower than those produced by the North American large-chamber test. Similar results were obtained from both analytical techiniques.