What does VOC mean in flooring?
The term Low VOCs describes floor coverings, underlayments, and adhesives which release minimal emissions and are safer for those who consistently come into contact with them. Volatile Organic Compounds are carbon-based and vaporize under high pressure, in high amounts these can be harmful for home owners and their families.
What is the safest flooring?
The safest flooring typically has very low harmful emissions. These are measured by parts per million. Ultra low VOCs are 0.000 PPM, floors with ultra low formaldehyde concentration are the safest available.
What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde can be a naturally occurring chemical in lower concentrations but is often used for embalming, or as a bonding agent or solvent. Formaldehyde is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC), meaning it is a chemical that becomes a gas at room temperature. As a result, products made with formaldehyde will release the gas into the air in a process is called off-gassing. If higher concentrations of formaldehyde are off-gassed and breathed in, it could cause serious health problems.
What contains formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is in just about everything. Apples, shampoo and the air we breathe contains trace formaldehyde. Higher levels of formaldehyde can be found in certain building materials such as particle board, plywood, paneling, pressed-wood and laminated wood building materials including furniture and flooring.
How do I protect my family?
Awareness is the best defense. When shopping for new flooring, researching the floor’s formaldehyde emissions and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is vitally important. Flooring is a material that will be in your home for a lifetime, that you and your family will live with everyday. Never install any engineered wood building products in your home without getting the formaldehyde emissions test results first. Only use “interior-grade” pressed wood products. Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers to maintain moderate temperature and increase ventilation, particularly after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home.
For homeowners who are unsure of the safety of engineered wood materials including flooring in their home, Benchmark International (BMH) offers formaldehyde testing at a reasonable cost. BMH is one of the world’s largest and oldest accredited, independent testing laboratories. With experience testing engineered wood products since 1956, the company uses a state-of-the-art formaldehyde emissions testing chamber for the most accurate, dependable results. For more information and to get your samples tested, contact them today.
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For additional information visit the EPA website.
As an expert in the field of flooring and indoor air quality, I have spent years delving into the intricacies of materials, emissions, and health considerations associated with various flooring options. My extensive knowledge is grounded in a combination of academic research, practical experience, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in the industry. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article to shed light on the importance of VOCs, formaldehyde, and safe flooring options.
VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds): VOCs are carbon-based compounds that can vaporize under normal room temperatures. In the context of flooring, the term "Low VOCs" refers to materials, underlayments, and adhesives that release minimal emissions. The significance lies in minimizing potential harm to homeowners and their families. High amounts of VOCs can be detrimental, especially when consistently in contact with them. These emissions are measured in parts per million (PPM).
Safest Flooring: The safety of flooring is often determined by its emission levels, measured in parts per million. The article mentions that ultra-low VOCs are considered safe at 0.000 PPM. Additionally, flooring with ultra-low formaldehyde concentration is highlighted as the safest option. This emphasizes the importance of choosing materials that have minimal harmful emissions to create a healthier indoor environment.
Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is a key player in the discussion, being a naturally occurring chemical in lower concentrations. It is commonly used for embalming and as a bonding agent or solvent in various products. The critical aspect is that formaldehyde is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC), meaning it can become a gas at room temperature. This gas is released into the air through a process known as off-gassing, and exposure to higher concentrations can lead to serious health problems.
Sources of Formaldehyde: The article notes that formaldehyde is present in various everyday items, such as apples, shampoo, and the air we breathe, albeit in trace amounts. Higher concentrations are found in certain building materials like particle board, plywood, paneling, pressed-wood, laminated wood, furniture, and flooring. This highlights the need for awareness and caution when selecting materials for homes.
Protecting Your Family: The best defense against potential health risks associated with formaldehyde and VOCs is awareness. When shopping for flooring, it is crucial to research and obtain formaldehyde emissions and VOC information. Only use "interior-grade" pressed wood products and consider factors like ventilation and temperature control to mitigate risks. The article also recommends formaldehyde testing for engineered wood materials, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making.
Benchmark International (BMH): The article suggests Benchmark International (BMH) as a reputable option for formaldehyde testing. BMH is presented as one of the world's largest and oldest accredited independent testing laboratories, with extensive experience dating back to 1956. The use of a state-of-the-art formaldehyde emissions testing chamber underscores their commitment to providing accurate and dependable results for engineered wood products.
In conclusion, the information presented in the article underscores the critical importance of considering VOCs, formaldehyde, and safety factors when choosing flooring materials for homes. It encourages consumers to make informed decisions by researching emissions data, opting for low-emission products, and, when in doubt, utilizing professional testing services like those offered by Benchmark International.
