Indoor air quality is an important environmental consideration for facility management. We spend most of our time indoors, often in energy-efficient buildings that lack sufficient fresh air ventilation. The quality of the outside air, activities in the building, and the presence of people impact these self-contained environments. Many new construction products, surface finishes, interior furnishings, floor coverings and renovating and cleaning agents play roles in the quality of indoor air.
It is important to know how to identify low-emitting products and installation supplies to preserve the indoor environment.
Responsible carpet manufacturers have been proactive in their efforts to scrutinize their products, and in developing ways to continue to reduce product emissions. The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has developed three indoor air quality (IAQ) testing programs - collectively known as "Green Label" or "Green Label Plus" - that will minimize the potential of emissions from new carpet installations. The programs cover carpet (Green Label Plus), carpet cushion (Green Label), and floor covering adhesive products (Green Label Plus).
The Goal
The goal for the programs is to help end-users with their buying decisions by identifying products that have been tested and meet stringent indoor air quality (IAQ) requirements.
How the Programs Work
In the testing programs for carpet, carpet cushion, and adhesives for carpet installations, samples are collected from the manufacturer's production process. Each sample is tested individually for chemical emissions by an independent laboratory, using sophisticated, dynamic environmental chamber technology.
The test procedure follows an approved methodology recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D-5116), and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). The volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions are identified and quantified as though the products were in a real building situation. Products are retested on an on-going basis to ensure that the required emission levels are not exceeded.
Carpet
To receive initial certification, carpet products undergo a 14-day testing process, as required by CDPH Section 01350 that measures emissions for a range of possible chemicals. See CDPH Section 01350 Standard Practice for VOC Testing. An independent laboratory tests carpet products for emission levels of seven chemicals as required by Section 01350, plus six additional chemicals as required by CRI for a total of 13 chemicals.
Cushion
Separate cushion products are tested for total volatile organic compounds, including BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), formaldehyde, and 4-PCH.
Adhesives
The carpet floor covering adhesive program is a test that is similar to the carpet and cushion tests. The criteria takes into account that adhesives are a wet substrate when applied during the installation process.
Adhesive products are independently tested for emission levels of 10 chemicals as required by CDPH Section 01350, plus 5 additional chemicals as required by CRI for a total of 15 chemicals.
This program covers floor covering adhesives, as well as accessory adhesive products, such as seam sealers.
The Criteria
Products that meet the emission criteria are allowed to display the Green Label or Green Label Plus Label. If the products exceed the emission criteria, the manufacturer is so advised and is requested to make process or formulation changes to reduce the emissions. After the appropriate product modification, the manufacturer may resubmit the product for additional testing. Products that do not meet the test criteria will not thereafter be allowed to affix the label until they meet the test program criteria.
In each of these programs, the authorized label displayed on the product contains an identification number assigned specifically to the individual manufacturer for each product that meets the criteria.
It is also important to know that with most products, adequate ventilation can lower concentrations and minimize the impact on indoor air quality. Regular and effective cleaning also adds to good air quality.
Carpet Installation Guidelines
When installing carpet or any other renovation material, it is wise to follow "common sense," fresh air ventilation guidelines:
• Ventilate with fresh air (open doors or windows, and use fans) during removal, installation, and for 48-72 hours following.
• Vacuum the old carpet before removal to minimize the amount of airborne dust particles.
• Vacuum the floor after the old carpet and cushion have been removed.
• The installer should follow installation guidelines (CRI Carpet Installation Standard 2011) published by CRI.
• Persons who are sensitive to low levels of odors or chemicals should avoid the area during removal and installation process.
Carpet Maintenance Guidelines
Proper maintenance of your carpet will extend the lifespan of your carpet, keep its fresh appearance, and help keep the indoor environment clean:
• Vacuum regularly with a well-functioning, CRI-Approved Vacuum Cleaner that features powerful airflow, high-efficiency filtration, and correct brush height adjustment.
• Remove spills quickly to minimize staining. Use CRI's Spot Solver to determine an appropriate removal solution and use it according to instructions.
• Have your carpet extraction-cleaned before the carpet shows any signs of soiling, preferably by a CRI Seal of Approval (SOA) Service Provider.
