Page 59 - November 2015 Green Builder Magazine

Exteriors / Roofing / Structure / Insulation / IAQ / Windows / Heating / Lighting / Appliances / Faucets & Fixtures / Finishes / Cabinets & Tops / Alternative Energy

particles that have been shown to cause respiratory trouble, Standards for
especially for people with asthma. Household cleaners and bath Low-Emitting Materials
products often contain both VOCs and HAPs as well, so you can’t
blame paint for all your indoor air quality issues, but when selecting Green Seal VOC Content 57
a finish or an adhesive or caulk, make sure the manufacturer gives Standards: Paints and Finishes
a full account of all potential pollutants, not just VOCs.
Low-Emitting Materials:
FACTORY FINISH Paints and Finishes Requirements
A Green Idea
The Standard sets emission limits (measured as predicted
For certain painting and finishing projects, doing the job at home may concentration in air) for particulate matter, formaldehyde and
not be the best option, if you want to limit the volume of pollutants other chemicals; GREENGUARD Gold certification also sets
released inside. For cabinets, shelves and flooring, you often have the emission limits for specific VOCs.
option of a “baked-on” factory finish. This may require an extra day
or two for delivery, but it’s well worth the time and cost for people Flat finishes 50g/L
sensitive to paint fumes. At the factory, high heat speeds the paint or
stain’s release of VOCs and other toxins. That accelerated pollution Non-flat finishes 150 g/L
happens in a controlled environment, not inside your home.
For anti-corrosive and anti-rust paints applied to interior
ADHESIVES ferrous metal substrates, the limit is somewhat higher: 250 g/L
The Fine Print
For clear wood finishes, floor finishes, stains, sealers and
Like paints, adhesives are now marketed as low-VOC and eco- shellacs applied to interior elements, the VOC content limit is
friendly. But as with paint, it’s important to get all of the facts— as follows:
not simply to accept the branding pitch. For example, Gorilla
brand recently released Gorilla PVC, an adhesive for use in PVC Clear wood finishes 350 g/L for varnish
plumbing—a product it markets as “eco-friendly.” But if you read 550 g/L for lacquer
the fine print, the glue contains contains N-methylpyrrolidone
(NMP), “a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth Floor finishes 100 g/L www.greenbuildermag.com 11.2015
defects or other reproductive harm.”
Sealers 250 g/L for waterproofing sealers
CAULKING 275 g/L for sanding sealers
Seal the Deal 200 g/L for all other sealers

For the most part, latex-based caulkings tend to release less toxins Shellac 730 g/L for clear
during application and initial drying than their solvent-based 550 g/L for pigmented
counterparts.
Stains 250 g/L
But the verdict is still out about how latex products impact
air quality over the long term. It’s important, however, with both GREENGUARD Total VOCs
paints and caulkings, never to use exterior products indoors. They Emission Thresholds: Building
tend to contain more volatiles. Products and Interior Finishes

There’s also the question of durability. While 100 percent The Standard sets emission limits (measured as predicted
silicone caulk produces strong initial offgassing (some of which concentration in air) for particulate matter, formaldehyde
is from vinegar in the mix) it’s also likely to perform better than and other chemicals; the GREENGUARD Gold certification
an acrylic-latex based product, particularly in wet areas. standard also sets limits for specific VOCs.

As you can see, choosing a green paint or adhesive is not always GREENGUARD 500 µg/m3
as easy as reading a label. You have to shop carefully, understand
how and when this product should be applied, and weigh whether GREENGUARD Gold 220 µg/m3
the product’s air quality benefits are as good as they sound. GB
SOURCES: WWW.LEEDUSER.COM AND INDUSTRIES.UL.COM
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