Emission safety of combustible air fresheners - Test methods

This European standard specifies a test method for the determination of emissions resulting from the use of combustible air fresheners into indoor air by means of chamber operation according to EN ISO 16000 9.
This standard defines specific testing conditions for the measurement of the emissions from combustible air fresheners which minimize the effect of the testing on the combustion process.
This standard provides a measurement method for the determination of the following non-exhaustive list of target substances emitted directly from the burning process:
-   VOC;
-   Benzene;
-   Naphthalene;
-   Formaldehyde.
The measurement method can allow the determination of other substances.
This standard provides additional information on the optional measurement of the following substances:
-   SO2;
-   NOx;
-   CO.
This standard is not suitable for the quantitative determination of particulate matter.
This standard does not apply to non-combustible air fresheners and loose incenses.
Any scented candle with burning time shorter than 2,5 h is outside the scope of the standard.

Emissionssicherheit brennbarer Lufterfrischer - Testverfahren

Diese Europäische Norm spezifiziert ein Testverfahren zur Bestimmung der Emissionen in die Innenraumluft, die bei der Nutzung brennbarer Lufterfrischer entstehen. Das Testverfahren basiert auf dem Betrieb einer Emissionsprüfkammer gemäß ISO 16000-9.
Die Norm definiert spezifische Prüfbedingungen für die Messung der Emissionen brennbarer Lufterfrischer, die die verfahrensbedingte Beeinflussung des Verbrennungsvorgangs minimieren.
Die Norm stellt eine Messmethode zur Bestimmung der folgenden Substanzen zur Verfügung, die direkt beim Brennvorgang emittiert werden (es wird kein Anspruch auf Vollständigkeit der Substanzliste erhoben):
-   VOC;
-   Benzen;
-   Naphthalen;
-   Formaldehyd.
Die Messmethode ermöglicht die Bestimmung anderer Substanzen. Diese Norm enthält zusätzliche Informationen zur optionalen Messung der folgenden Substanzen:
-   SO2;
-   NOx;
   CO.
Diese Norm ist nicht geeignet für die quantitative Bestimmung von Partikeln.
Diese Norm gilt nicht für nicht-brennbare Lufterfrischer und loses Räucherwerk.
Duftkerzen mit einer Brenndauer von weniger als 2,5 Stunden fallen nicht in den Anwendungsbereich dieser Norm.

Sécurité des émissions des désodorisants combustibles - Méthodes d'essais

La présente Norme européenne spécifie une méthode d'essai pour la détermination, au moyen de chambres d'essai, des émissions générées par l'utilisation de désodorisants à combustion dans l'air intérieur, conformément à l'EN ISO 16000 9.
La présente norme définit des conditions d'essai particulières pour la mesure des émissions générées par des désodorisants à combustion qui minimisent l'effet de l'essai sur le processus de combustion.
La présente norme fournit une méthode de mesure pour la détermination des substances cibles répertoriées dans la liste non exhaustive ci-après, dont l'émission découle directement du processus de combustion :
-   COV ;
-   benzène ;
-   naphtalène ;
-   formaldéhyde.
Cette méthode de mesure peut permettre la détermination d'autres substances.
La présente norme fournit des informations supplémentaires sur la mesure facultative des substances suivantes :
-   SO2 ;
-   NOx ;
-   CO.
La présente norme n'est pas adaptée à la détermination quantitative des matières particulaires.
La présente norme ne s'applique pas aux encens conditionnés en vrac ni aux désodorisants incombustibles.
Les bougies parfumées dont la durée de combustion est inférieure à 2,5 h n'entrent pas dans le domaine d'application de la présente norme.

Emisijska varnost vnetljivih snovi v osvežilnikih zraka - Preskusne metode

Ta evropski standard določa preizkusno metodo za določevanje emisij v notranji zrak, ki so posledica uporabe gorljivih osvežilnikov zraka, in sicer s postopkom uporabe komore v skladu s standardom EN ISO 16000-9.
Ta standard določa specifične preskusne pogoje za merjenje emisij gorljivih osvežilnikov zraka, ki v kar največji meri zmanjšujejo vpliv preizkušanja na proces zgorevanja. Ta standard zagotavlja merilno metodo za določanje naslednjega neizčrpnega seznama ciljnih snovi, ki se izločajo neposredno v procesu zgorevanja:
— hlapne organske spojine (VOC);
— benzen;
— naftalen;
— formaldehid.
Z merilno metodo je mogoče določiti tudi druge snovi. Ta standard zagotavlja dodatne informacije o izbirnih meritvah naslednjih snovi:
— SO2;
— NOx;
— CO.
Ta standard ni primeren za količinsko opredelitev delcev. Ta standard ne velja za negorljive osvežilnike zraka in kadila. Ta standard ne vključuje dišečih sveč, katerih čas gorenja ne presega 2,5 ure.

General Information

Status
Published
Public Enquiry End Date
09-Nov-2015
Publication Date
21-Dec-2015
ICS
13.040.20 - Ambient atmospheres
Technical Committee
KAZ - Air quality
Current Stage
6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
Start Date
10-Dec-2015
Due Date
14-Feb-2016
Completion Date
22-Dec-2015
Ref Project
EN 16738:2015 - Emission safety of combustible air fresheners - Test methods

Overview

EN 16738:2015 - "Emission safety of combustible air fresheners - Test methods" (CEN) defines a standardized chamber test method to quantify emissions from combustible air fresheners (e.g., scented candles, oil lamps, catalytic lamps, incense) into indoor air. The method is performed in a dynamic emission test chamber according to EN ISO 16000‑9 and is designed to minimize test-induced effects on combustion. EN 16738:2015 targets volatile and combustion‑generated pollutants such as VOCs, benzene, naphthalene and formaldehyde, with optional measurement guidance for SO2, NOx and CO. It is not suitable for quantitative measurement of particulate matter and excludes non‑combustible air fresheners and loose incense; scented candles with burning time < 2.5 h are outside the scope.

Key topics and requirements

  • Test principle: Determine the unit specific emission rate (SERu) using chamber outlet concentrations, air change rate (n) and number of specimens (N), assuming a fully mixed chamber.
  • Apparatus: Dynamic environmental emission test chamber per EN ISO 16000‑9 and wire mesh cylinders type 2 (EN 15426) for specimen placement.
  • Standard test conditions:
    • Chamber volume: 1.0 m3 ± 0.1 m3 (larger chambers allowed only with validation).
    • Inlet air: 23 °C, 50% RH, 2 air changes per hour (≈2.0 ± 0.2 h‑1).
    • Temperature, relative humidity and oxygen concentration must be controlled; draught‑free, stable burning is required.
  • Specimen setup and sampling:
    • Positioning rules for scented candles, oil lamps, incense and catalytic lamps (wire mesh cylinder distances, spacing, stands).
    • Typical sampling durations and specimen counts (e.g., scented candles: normally 2 specimens inside the chamber, sampling time ≈ 60 min; table provides different protocols for candles ≥4 h, 2.5–4 h, incense, oil and catalytic lamps).
  • Analytes: Mandatory focus on VOCs, benzene, naphthalene, formaldehyde; method can be adapted to other substances. Optional guidance for SO2, NOx, CO.
  • Limitations: Not intended for particulate matter quantification; excludes non‑combustible products and short‑burn candles (<2.5 h).

Applications and users

EN 16738:2015 is practical for:

  • Product manufacturers (candles, oil lamps, catalytic lamps, incense) validating emission performance and safety.
  • Testing laboratories conducting standardized chamber emission tests and producing SERu data.
  • Regulators and certification bodies setting indoor air safety criteria and compliance programs.
  • Product designers and formulators optimizing fragrances and fuels to reduce hazardous combustion by‑products.
  • Retailers and procurement teams seeking verified emissions data for consumer safety claims.

Using EN 16738 supports consistent, comparable emission data for indoor air quality assessments, ingredient selection and regulatory reporting.

Related standards

Key referenced standards include:

  • EN ISO 16000‑9 (chamber method for VOC emissions)
  • ISO 16000‑6 / ISO 16000‑3 / EN ISO 16017‑1 (VOC and carbonyl sampling/analysis)
  • EN 15426 (candles - sooting behaviour and wire mesh cylinders)
  • Emission reference methods for NOx, SO2, CO and O2 (EN 14211, EN 14212, EN 14626, EN 14789, EN 14792, EN 15058)

Keywords: EN 16738:2015, emission safety, combustible air fresheners, chamber test, VOC, benzene, formaldehyde, scented candle testing, indoor air.

Frequently Asked Questions

SIST EN 16738:2016 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Emission safety of combustible air fresheners - Test methods". This standard covers: This European standard specifies a test method for the determination of emissions resulting from the use of combustible air fresheners into indoor air by means of chamber operation according to EN ISO 16000 9. This standard defines specific testing conditions for the measurement of the emissions from combustible air fresheners which minimize the effect of the testing on the combustion process. This standard provides a measurement method for the determination of the following non-exhaustive list of target substances emitted directly from the burning process: - VOC; - Benzene; - Naphthalene; - Formaldehyde. The measurement method can allow the determination of other substances. This standard provides additional information on the optional measurement of the following substances: - SO2; - NOx; - CO. This standard is not suitable for the quantitative determination of particulate matter. This standard does not apply to non-combustible air fresheners and loose incenses. Any scented candle with burning time shorter than 2,5 h is outside the scope of the standard.

This European standard specifies a test method for the determination of emissions resulting from the use of combustible air fresheners into indoor air by means of chamber operation according to EN ISO 16000 9. This standard defines specific testing conditions for the measurement of the emissions from combustible air fresheners which minimize the effect of the testing on the combustion process. This standard provides a measurement method for the determination of the following non-exhaustive list of target substances emitted directly from the burning process: - VOC; - Benzene; - Naphthalene; - Formaldehyde. The measurement method can allow the determination of other substances. This standard provides additional information on the optional measurement of the following substances: - SO2; - NOx; - CO. This standard is not suitable for the quantitative determination of particulate matter. This standard does not apply to non-combustible air fresheners and loose incenses. Any scented candle with burning time shorter than 2,5 h is outside the scope of the standard.

SIST EN 16738:2016 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.040.20 - Ambient atmospheres. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

SIST EN 16738:2016 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Emisijska varnost vnetljivih snovi v osvežilnikih zraka - Preskusne metodeEmissionssicherheit brennbarer Lufterfrischer - TestverfahrenSécurité des émissions des désodorisants combustibles - Méthodes d'essaisEmission safety of combustible air fresheners - Test methods13.040.20Kakovost okoljskega zrakaAmbient atmospheresICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 16738:2015SIST EN 16738:2016en,fr,de01-februar-2016SIST EN 16738:2016SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 16738
November
t r s w ICS
s uä r v rä t r English Version
Emission safety of combustible air fresheners æ Test methods Sécurité des émissions des désodorisants à combustion æ Méthodes d 5essais
Emissionssicherheit brennbarer Lufterfrischer æ Testverfahren This European Standard was approved by CEN on
s y October
t r s wä
egulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alterationä Upætoædate lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CENæCENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN memberä
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CENæCENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versionsä
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austriaá Belgiumá Bulgariaá Croatiaá Cyprusá Czech Republicá Denmarká Estoniaá Finlandá Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedoniaá Franceá Germanyá Greeceá Hungaryá Icelandá Irelandá Italyá Latviaá Lithuaniaá Luxembourgá Maltaá Netherlandsá Norwayá Polandá Portugalá Romaniaá Slovakiaá Sloveniaá Spainá Swedená Switzerlandá Turkey and United Kingdomä
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels
t r s w CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Membersä Refä Noä EN
s x y u zã t r s w ESIST EN 16738:2016

Description of sorbent types. 14 Bibliography . 15 SIST EN 16738:2016
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