Page 36 - Green Builder Remodeling Field Report 2021
P. 36

Breath Control. Homebuyers care about
                                                                                     healthy living and air quality. Successful
                                                                                     remodelers give these concerns their due.



               PLAY THE INDOOR AIR CARD                            after installation. “Because this is a consumer-focused
               Regardless of whether a client or her family member suffers   certification, we aim to set up all of our testing to replicate
               from allergies or asthma, most people now have an interest in   the end-user experience as much as possible—so where a
               reducing pollution indoors. This concern (undoubtedly super-  floor covering is designed to be glued down, we include the
               charged by Coronavirus fears) lends incentive to add better   adhesive in the VOC test,” says McKeon. “We also carry out
               quality filtration, more efficient heating and cooling.  an allergen removal test in an environmental chamber, where
                 To rationalize spending more on IAQ, one need only dig   the floor is cleaned as per the manufacturer’s instructions
               into some of the research and recommendations for health-  and allergen removal is assessed. Allergen levels in the air
               oriented organizations such as the Asthma and Allergy   during cleaning are also measured.”
               Foundation of America (AAFA).                     ■   PAINT: Emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
                 The asthma and allergy friendly certification program   from paint are tested 24, 48 and 336 hours after it’s
               developed by the AAFA and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL)   applied. “We also conduct a detailed assessment of all
               tests products to meet strict scientific standards, says   of the chemical constituents in paint to ensure that
               Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of the AAFA.      there are no allergenic or sensitizing ingredients pres-
                 “The asthma and allergy community can look for the   ent,” notes McKeon, “or that their concentration is low
               certification while shopping to know they’re getting products   enough to warrant no concern for sensitive individuals.
               that help with indoor air quality, dust mites, pollen and other   Certified paints must also meet or exceed performance
               asthma and allergy triggers,” he explains.          criteria such as adhesion, scrub resistance and drying
                 Having good indoor air quality is an important part of a   time.”
               healthy living space, adds Dr. John McKeon, CEO and founder   ■   AIR CLEANERS: “We test air cleaners for their ability to
               of the ASL.                                         reduce cat dander, grass pollen and dust mite allergen levels
                 “Our certification is not industry-specific, we have   in the air,” says McKeon. “Our testing also ensures that the
               standards for products and building materials for every room   allergens are captured on the air cleaner filter, and not redis-
               in the house, offering a choice in as many product categories   tributed onto surfaces around the room.”
               as possible,” says McKeon. “Our focus is on controlling the
               sources and triggers of asthma and allergy to improve indoor   Taking the time to check sites for green certifications dur-
               air quality and help consumers make informed choices.”  ing your remodel will not only mean you’re living your values.
                 Some of the products certified by AAFA and ASL include:  It can mean that your home will be a healthy place to live, and
                  FLOORING: Flooring is tested for the emission of volatile   can serve as a model for others looking to uphold their com-
               ■
                 organic compounds (VOCs) at 24, 48 and 336 hours   mitment to sustainability. GB

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