Sensory and chemical evaluation of odorous emissions from building products containing linseed oil

Natural materials of biological origin may deteriorate over time and affect perceived air quality negatively. As examples of natural products, linoleum, wall paint and floor oil, all materials containing linseed oil, were investigated. Odorous emissions from these materials were compared with emissions from similar conventional synthetic, materials containing no linseed oil. The materials were followed over a period of one year and the odorous emissions were evaluated by a sensory panel that assessed odour intensity and acceptability and by chemical analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbonyl compounds. Materials containing linseed oil affected the perceived air quality more negatively than the selected similar synthetic materials and the odour was persistent over time. The concentration of some odour active VOCs decreased rapidly whereas the concentration for others remained constant over the one-year period. This may explain the persistence of the odour. The materials containing linseed oil did not qualify for the Danish Indoor Climate Label. There is a potential for lowering the emissions of odour active compounds from the investigated materials that contained linseed oil, by systematic use of less odorous linseed oils.