Significance and Use

The objective of this guide is to describe procedures and data sources for conducting risk characterization of acute inhalation exposure to chemicals emitted from bedding sets. Risk characterization can be used to identify chemical(s) that pose potentially significant human health risks for the scenario(s) and population(s) selected for exposure assessment. Such identification of chemicals can help in identifying the components or materials used in manufacture of bedding sets that should be further examined. Risk characterization also includes an assessment of potential odor problems for any individual chemical emitted by the bedding set.

1. Scope

1.1 This guide provides guidance to individuals and organizations for conducting risk characterization of exposure to volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) emitted from bedding sets or an ensemble of a mattress and supporting box spring.

1.2 This guide is for risk characterization of short-term exposures to a new bedding set brought into a residential indoor environment. The risk characterization considerations presented in this guide are applicable to both the general population and sensitive subgroups, such as convalescing adults.

1.3 The risk characterization addressed in this guide is limited to acute health and irritation effects resulting from short-term exposure to VOCs in indoor air. Although certain procedures described in this guide may be applicable to assessing long-term exposure, the guide does not address cancer and other chronic health effects.

1.4 VOC emissions from bedding sets, as in the case of other household furnishings, usually are highest when the products are new. A used bedding set may also emit VOCs, either from the original materials or as a result of its use. The procedures presented in this guide also are applicable to used bedding sets.

1.5 Risk characterization procedures described in this guide should be carried out under the supervision of a qualified toxicologist or risk assessment specialist, or both.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.7 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to its use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres

D6177 Practice for Determining Emission Profiles of Volatile Organic Chemicals Emitted from Bedding Sets

D6178 Practice for Estimation of Short-term Inhalation Exposure to Volatile Organic Chemicals Emitted from Bedding Sets

E609 Terminology Relating to Pesticides

E943 Terminology Relating to Biological Effects and Environmental Fate

E1542 Terminology Relating to Occupational Health and Safety

Keywords

air concentration; emissions; exposure assessment; hazard assessment; hazard index; hazard quotient; health effect; inhalation; irritant effect; odor characterization; odor threshold; risk characterization; toxicity; Acute irritant effects; Bedding sets; Emission monitoring; Inhalation/inhalation exposure; Risk analysis--environmental; Short-term exposure testing; Short-term inhalation exposure; Volatile organic compounds (VOC)--atmospheres;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.120 (Domestic safety)

DOI: 10.1520/D6485-11

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM D6485