Significance and Use
5.1 An accelerated test for determining the resistance of interior coated building products to mold growth is useful in estimating the relative performance for use in interior environments under conditions favorable to fungal growth.
5.2 Static or environmental chambers provide controlled laboratory micro-environment conditions. These chambers are not intended to duplicate room conditions, and care must be taken when interpreting the results. Static chambers are not a substitute for dynamic chambers or field studies.
Scope
1.1 This test method covers an environmental chamber and the conditions of operation to evaluate in a 4-week period the relative resistance to mold growth and microbial surface defacement on coated building products designed for interior application using an indirect inoculation method. The apparatus is designed so it can be easily built or obtained by any interested party.
1.2 This test method can be used to evaluate the comparative resistance of coated building products to accelerated mold growth. Ratings do not imply a specific time period that the coated building product will be free of fungal growth during installation in an interior environment.
1.3 This test method is not intended for use in the evaluation of public health claims.
1.4 The test method is intended for the accelerated evaluation of mold growth on a coated building product designed for interior use. This method is not intended for evaluation of surfaces designed for exterior applications or uncoated surfaces. Use of this test method for evaluating exterior performance has not been validated, nor have the limitations for such use been determined.
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.6 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
