All non­metallic materials release trace contaminants into the surrounding environment; the extent to which this occurs is dependent on the nature of the material concerned. In the closed environment of a manned spacecraft contaminants within the atmosphere are potentially dangerous with respect to toxicity and its consequences for the safety of the crew.
This Standard defines a test procedure for the determination of the trace contaminants release by non­metallic materials under a set of closely controlled conditions. The test procedure covers both individual materials and assembled articles.
In this Standard the supplier means the testing authority that is responsible for specifying and executing the offgassing tests.
This Standard describes a test to provide data for aid in the evaluation of the suitability of assembled articles and materials for use in a space vehicle crew compartment. The data obtained are in respect of the nature and quantity of organic and inorganic volatile contaminants evolved when subjected to the crew compartment environment.
This standard may be tailored for the specific characteristics and constrains of a space project in conformance with ECSS-S-ST-00.