Page 61 - Green Builder Homeowner's Handbook 2016

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

products often contain both VOCs and HAPs as well, so you can’t Standards for
blame paint for all your indoor air quality issues, but when selecting Low-Emitting Materials
a finish or an adhesive or caulk, make sure the manufacturer gives
a full account of all potential pollutants, not just VOCs. Green Seal VOC
Content Standards:
FACTORY FINISH Paints and Finishes
A Green Idea
For certain painting and finishing projects, doing the job at home may Low-Emitting Materials:
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 Requirements
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 The Standard sets emission limits (measured as predicted
sensitive to paint fumes. At the factory, high heat speeds the paint or concentration in air) for particulate matter, formaldehyde and
stain’s release of VOCs and other toxins. That accelerated pollution other chemicals; GREENGUARD Gold certification also sets
happens in a controlled environment, not inside your home. emission limits for specific VOCs.

ADHESIVES Flat finishes 50g/L
The Fine Print
Like paints, adhesives are now marketed as low-VOC and eco- Non-flat finishes 150 g/L
friendly. But as with paint, it’s important to get all of the facts—
not simply to accept the branding pitch. For example, Gorilla For anti-corrosive and anti-rust paints 250 g/L
brand recently released Gorilla PVC, an adhesive for use in PVC
plumbing—a product it markets as “eco-friendly.” But if you read the applied to interior ferrous metal substrates,
fine print, the glue contains contains N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), the limit is somewhat higher
“a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects
or other reproductive harm.” For clear wood finishes, floor finishes, stains, sealers and shellacs
applied to interior elements, the VOC content limit is as follows:
CAULKING
Seal the Deal Clear wood finishes 350 g/L for varnish
For the most part, latex-based caulkings tend to release less toxins 550 g/L for lacquer
during application and initial drying than their solvent-based
counterparts. Floor finishes 100 g/L

But the verdict is still out about how latex products impact air Sealers 250 g/L for waterproofing sealers
quality over the long term. It’s important, however, with both paints 275 g/L for sanding sealers
and caulkings, never to use exterior products indoors. They tend to 200 g/L for all other sealers
contain more volatiles.

There’s also the question of durability. While 100 percent silicone Shellac 730 g/L for clear
caulk produces strong initial offgassing (some of which is from 550 g/L for pigmented
vinegar in the mix) it’s also likely to perform better than an acrylic-
latex based product, particularly in wet areas. Stains 250 g/L

As you can see, choosing a green paint or adhesive is not always as GREENGUARD Total VOCs
easy as reading a label. You have to shop carefully, understand how Emission Thresholds:
and when this product should be applied, and weigh whether the Building Products
product’s air quality benefits are as good as they sound. GB and Interior Finishes

VISION HOUSE® AT MARIPOSA MEADOWS SPONSOR The Standard sets emission limits (measured as predicted
Mohawk Bertolino Porcelain Floor concentration in air) for particulate matter, formaldehyde and
Tile & Ceramic Wall Tile other chemicals; the GREENGUARD Gold certification standard
also sets limits for specific VOCs.
Mohawk’s Reveal imaging technology helps
create authentic definition, detailing and veining GREENGUARD 500 µg/m3
of natural marble in this porcelain tile collection.
Bertolino comes in several large-format sizes, GREENGUARD Gold 220 µg/m3
including 12” x 12”, 12” x 24” and 18” x 18”.
www.mohawkflooring.com/flooring/tile SOURCES: WWW.LEEDUSER.COM AND INDUSTRIES.UL.COM

www.greenbuildermedia.com The Homeowner’s Handbook 2016 GREEN BUILDER 59