3. The small chamber method that has been established recently is aimed at measurement of volatile organic compounds such as toluene, xylene, etc., in addition to formaldehydes, and is expected to be effective in dealing with the "sick house" syndrome in the future. Furthermore, the method is capable of measuring dispersion speed for construction materials, enabling forecast of formaldehyde and VOC concentration in room air. With the establishment of a common measurement method and JIS standard, compatibility and effective utilization of measurement data are realized. It is also expected to promote development, application, and dissemination of construction materials with low dispersion levels for formaldehydes and VOCs.
In addition, JIS standards for specific materials now define grading and labeling based on formaldehyde dispersion level, such as Ffour stars (material that does not require restrictions in use due to low dispersion level), and Fthree stars and Ftwo stars (material that shows a measure of dispersion but can be used as construction material within a certain proportion to area of application). Selection of appropriate material becomes possible by confirming these labels. Development of these JIS standards are expected to foster and facilitate action in controlling the "sick house" syndrome with the revision of the Building Standard Law in July 2003.