This part of ISO 16000 specifies a general laboratory test method for evaluating the reduction in concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (except formaldehyde) by sorptive building materials. This method applies to boards, wallpapers, carpets, paint products, and other building materials. The sorption of VOCs (except formaldehyde) can be brought about by adsorption, absorption and chemisorption. The performance of the material, with respect to its ability to reduce the concentration of VOCs (except formaldehyde) in indoor air, is evaluated by measuring sorption flux and saturation mass per area. The former directly indicates material performance with respect to VOC reduction at a point in time; the latter relates to the ability to maintain that performance. Formaldehyde has been excluded from this part of ISO 16000 because it is difficult to obtain as a stable standard in air. This part of ISO 16000 is based on the test chamber method specified in ISO 16000-9. Sampling, transport and storage of materials to be tested, and preparation of test specimens are described in ISO 16000-11. Air sampling and analytical methods for the determination of carbonyl compounds (except formaldehyde) are described in ISO 16000-3, and those of VOCs are described in ISO 16000-6 and ISO 16017-1.