Page 55 - The Homeowner's Handbook 2017

Exteriors / Roofing / Structure / Insulation / IAQ / Windows & Doors / Heating & Cooling / Lighting / Appliances / Plumbing / Finishes / Cabinets & Tops / Alternative Energy

and bath products often contain both VOCs and HAPs as well,
so you can’t blame paint for all your indoor air quality issues, Standards for
but when selecting a finish or an adhesive or caulk, make sure
the manufacturer gives a full account of all potential pollutants, Low-Emitting Materials
not just VOCs.

FACTORY FINISH
A Green Idea Green Seal VOC
For certain painting and finishing projects, doing the job at home may Content Standards:
not be the best option, if you want to limit the volume of pollutants
released inside. For cabinets, shelves and flooring, you often have the Paints and Finishes
option of a “baked-on” factory finish. This may require an extra day Low-Emitting Materials:
or two for delivery, but it’s well worth the time and cost for people
sensitive to paint fumes. At the factory, high heat speeds the paint or Paints and Finishes Requirements
stain’s release of VOCs and other toxins. That accelerated pollution The Standard sets emission limits (measured as predicted
happens in a controlled environment, not inside your home. concentration in air) for particulate matter, formaldehyde and
other chemicals; GREENGUARD Gold certification also sets
ADHESIVES emission limits for specific VOCs.
The Fine Print Flat finishes 50g/L
Like paints, adhesives are now marketed as low-VOC and eco-
friendly. But as with paint, it’s important to get all of the facts— Non-flat finishes 150 g/L
not simply to accept the branding pitch. For example, Gorilla For anti-corrosive and anti-rust paints
brand recently released Gorilla PVC, an adhesive for use in PVC applied to interior ferrous metal substrates,
plumbing—a product it markets as “eco-friendly.” But if you read the the limit is somewhat higher 250 g/L
fine print, the glue contains contains N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP),
“a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects For clear wood finishes, floor finishes, stains, sealers and shellacs
or other reproductive harm.” applied to interior elements, the VOC content limit is as follows:
Clear wood finishes 350 g/L for varnish
CAULKING 550 g/L for lacquer
Seal the Deal Floor finishes 100 g/L
For the most part, latex-based caulkings tend to release less toxins
during application and initial drying than their solvent-based Sealers 250 g/L for waterproofing sealers
counterparts. 275 g/L for sanding sealers
But the verdict is still out about how latex products impact air 200 g/L for all other sealers
quality over the long term. It’s important, however, with both paints Shellac 730 g/L for clear
and caulkings, never to use exterior products indoors. They tend to 550 g/L for pigmented
contain more volatiles.
There’s also the question of durability. While 100 percent silicone Stains 250 g/L
caulk produces strong initial offgassing (some of which is from
vinegar in the mix) it’s also likely to perform better than an acrylic- GREENGUARD Total VOCs
latex based product, particularly in wet areas.
As you can see, choosing a green paint or adhesive is not always as Emission Thresholds:
easy as reading a label. You have to shop carefully, understand how
and when this product should be applied, and weigh whether the Building Products
and Interior Finishes
product’s air quality benefits are as good as they sound. GB
The Standard sets emission limits (measured as predicted
Mohawk Bertolino Porcelain concentration in air) for particulate matter, formaldehyde and
Floor Tile & Ceramic Wall Tile other chemicals; the GREENGUARD Gold certification standard
Mohawk’s Reveal imaging technology helps also sets limits for specific VOCs.
create authentic definition, detailing and GREENGUARD 500 µg/m 3
veining of natural marble in this porcelain tile
collection. Bertolino comes in several GREENGUARD Gold 220 µg/m 3
large-format sizes, including 12” x 12”, 12”
x 24” and 18” x 18”. SOURCES: WWW.LEEDUSER.COM AND INDUSTRIES.UL.COM
www.mohawkflooring.com/flooring/tile

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