Nowadays, the majority of individuals prefer to stay away from several common products because they are aware of the probable health concerns associated with them. Flooring is not an exemption. It is possible to ignore the risk posed by toxic fumes discharged from numerous floors. Fortunately, certifications exist to guarantee that flooring products are both hygienic and safe for your family to use.
What is FloorScore® Certification?
Every product with the FloorScore Certification satisfies the USA's stringent emissions regulations for volatile organic compounds. It is comforting to know that your new flooring won't be hazardous to anyone's health, whether or not you live in America. For anyone who is concerned about keeping their house or place of business's indoor air quality (IAQ) at a high standard, the certification is essentially essential.
SCS awards FloorScore certification after conducting impartial testing and auditing. They are a reliable outside organization committed to promoting scientifically grounded, ecologically sound standards. The quality of the air you breathe can be preserved with the help of certified flooring goods.
What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
Many materials progressively decay, releasing volatile organic molecules as gases. They are liberated from carpets, unsealed wood, paint, caulking, household and commercial cleaning supplies, insecticides, and a variety of other everyday items. While it is hard to completely eradicate VOCs from your environment, you should still avoid as much exposure to hazardous substances as possible.
Flooring is a special problem since it takes up so much room. Paint cans and cleaning supplies can be kept in cupboards or the garage, but your flooring is practically always underfoot. The kids and pets slept on it. Everyone walks across it. Its hazardous pollutants are continuously discharged throughout the residence.
You may be familiar with the fragrance of a new car. Some people enjoy it, while others despise it. It is actually the odor of gases generated by the plastic components in the car's interior. Fortunately, certifications such as FloorScore serve to alleviate the concerns of new flooring customers.
Reduce Your Family’s Exposure to Dangerous Chemicals
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a list of the health concerns linked to various substances. Formaldehyde, for example, is frequently discovered in flooring that does not qualify for FloorScore certification. The EPA classifies formaldehyde as a potential human carcinogen and a source of additional health hazards.
In general, VOCs can induce headaches, respiratory and gastrointestinal difficulties, liver, kidney, and nerve damage, as well as cancer. Many people are allergic to one or more VOCs that emit gases into the air they breathe at home or work.
Exposure symptoms can be modest, such as persistent fatigue, dizziness, or even memory issues. As is typically the case, the young, elderly, and those in poor condition are most vulnerable.
While not all VOCs have been properly examined, enough is known about the dangers presented by several of the most common, such as formaldehyde, that it's worth doing all possible to prevent everyone's exposure to harmful chemicals.
FloorScore Certification Benefits Businesses
Contractors, architects, and others that specify and install FloorScore-certified flooring, underlayments, and adhesives are eligible for green tax credits on qualifying projects. FloorScore is the most widely recognized certification for these items; therefore, building projects will be eligible for several green building schemes, including WELL, LEED v4, CHPS, and BREEAM. Employers gain from implementing FloorScore solutions because they protect the health of their employees and customers.
FloorScore certification may potentially help you avoid future litigation. Formaldehyde in laminate wood flooring, particularly that from China, has resulted in class-action lawsuits against Lumber Liquidators, Floor & Decor, Lowe's, and Armstrong. Lumber Liquidators settled for $36 million.
Flooring with the FloorScore Certification is not only visually appealing and long-lasting, but it also improves healthy indoor air quality. It's safe for children, pets, workers, and customers.
ANZ Floor JSC., is FloorScore® Certified
If you're wondering why we notified you about the various negative impacts of particular poisonous substances being emitted by flooring, it's because ours is unique. We are proudly FloorScore certified, and we take pride in our ability to provide high-quality flooring while keeping your family and pets safe.
