CC3 - CCI INDOOR AIR QUALITY
CC3-1 Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Carpet
CC3-2 VOCs, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Carpet
CC3-3 Green Label Carpet Testing Program
CC3-2 VOCs, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Carpet
CC3-3 Green Label Carpet Testing Program
Preface:
This guide on the Canadian Carpet Institute (CCI) and American Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Indoor Air Quality /Green Label Carpet Testing Program is provided (paraphrased / reprinted in abbreviated form) for general information only. Specifiers and/or persons requiring specific information about this program should contact CCI.
1 • INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ) AND CARPET
.01 For a number of years now, some designers and specifiers have been hesitant to recommend / specify carpet because of unfounded concerns regarding poor indoor air quality (IAQ) resulting from its installation.
.02 Since 1993 Canadian carpet manufacturers have been voluntarily complying with a rigorous industry standard that sets limits on the levels of volatile organic chemicals (VOC) emissions. The program monitors VOC levels, collects scientific data, screens out objectionable products, and provides a strong basis for consumer confidence. Carpet specimens are taken directly from the manufacturing line in air-tight packaging to an independent laboratory for testing where they either pass or fail. Carpets that have passed this testing program are identified with a "Green Label" affixed to carpet backing.
.03 Recent research conducted by a US manufacturer and supplier of carpet cleaning equipment and materials showed that "carpet is an asset to the health of indoor environments". After collecting data from schools and private homes, the firm determined that dust, pet hair, pollen, and mould spore allergens either fall onto carpet from indoor air or are deposited by walkers. Part of their study, conducted between 1995 and 1997 in 17 carpeted classrooms located in Nebraska, Wisconsin, Florida, and North Carolina, analyzed mould spore levels and found that the air held far fewer spores than the carpet, less than 1% of the carpet levels in some cases. In essence carpet plays the role of a filter and trap that holds biologicals out of the breathing zone until they are easily removed by vacuuming.
.04 Further evidence that carpet does not contribute to poor IAQ has come from the results of a number of projects conducted in Norway and Sweden. A leading Norwegian indoor environmental consultant concluded that "soft floorings have unfairly received bad press for contributing to poor indoor (air) quality without any real evidence to support this". A Norwegian test institute carried out a comparative test between soft and hard flooring in four classrooms to discover which type of flooring would provide better IAQ. Two of the classrooms were carpeted, and two were fitted with hard flooring. IAQ measurements were taken before, during, and after school hours. Results indicated that the carpeted rooms with fine dust bound into the carpet were slightly better when compared to hard surfaced floors.
.05 Although there is a perception that carpet in a health care facility is not as sanitary as a hard surface, a recent study by the US Centre for Disease Control found no increase in bacterial or fungal (grouped as microbial) growth in carpet in a hospital as compared with a hard surface, when the carpet is properly maintained. Carpet used in such facilities should also have a backing that does not support such growth such as bonded PVC or rubber backing that will not let moisture through the backing to accumulate on the underside of the carpet.
This guide on the Canadian Carpet Institute (CCI) and American Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Indoor Air Quality /Green Label Carpet Testing Program is provided (paraphrased / reprinted in abbreviated form) for general information only. Specifiers and/or persons requiring specific information about this program should contact CCI.
1 • INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ) AND CARPET
.01 For a number of years now, some designers and specifiers have been hesitant to recommend / specify carpet because of unfounded concerns regarding poor indoor air quality (IAQ) resulting from its installation.
.02 Since 1993 Canadian carpet manufacturers have been voluntarily complying with a rigorous industry standard that sets limits on the levels of volatile organic chemicals (VOC) emissions. The program monitors VOC levels, collects scientific data, screens out objectionable products, and provides a strong basis for consumer confidence. Carpet specimens are taken directly from the manufacturing line in air-tight packaging to an independent laboratory for testing where they either pass or fail. Carpets that have passed this testing program are identified with a "Green Label" affixed to carpet backing.
.03 Recent research conducted by a US manufacturer and supplier of carpet cleaning equipment and materials showed that "carpet is an asset to the health of indoor environments". After collecting data from schools and private homes, the firm determined that dust, pet hair, pollen, and mould spore allergens either fall onto carpet from indoor air or are deposited by walkers. Part of their study, conducted between 1995 and 1997 in 17 carpeted classrooms located in Nebraska, Wisconsin, Florida, and North Carolina, analyzed mould spore levels and found that the air held far fewer spores than the carpet, less than 1% of the carpet levels in some cases. In essence carpet plays the role of a filter and trap that holds biologicals out of the breathing zone until they are easily removed by vacuuming.
.04 Further evidence that carpet does not contribute to poor IAQ has come from the results of a number of projects conducted in Norway and Sweden. A leading Norwegian indoor environmental consultant concluded that "soft floorings have unfairly received bad press for contributing to poor indoor (air) quality without any real evidence to support this". A Norwegian test institute carried out a comparative test between soft and hard flooring in four classrooms to discover which type of flooring would provide better IAQ. Two of the classrooms were carpeted, and two were fitted with hard flooring. IAQ measurements were taken before, during, and after school hours. Results indicated that the carpeted rooms with fine dust bound into the carpet were slightly better when compared to hard surfaced floors.
.05 Although there is a perception that carpet in a health care facility is not as sanitary as a hard surface, a recent study by the US Centre for Disease Control found no increase in bacterial or fungal (grouped as microbial) growth in carpet in a hospital as compared with a hard surface, when the carpet is properly maintained. Carpet used in such facilities should also have a backing that does not support such growth such as bonded PVC or rubber backing that will not let moisture through the backing to accumulate on the underside of the carpet.
2 • VOCs, INDOOR AIR QUALITY (IAQ), AND CARPET
.01 All living matter, as well as many of the materials used to make household products and building materials, is made of organic chemicals. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are those which are light enough to evaporate at room temperature and so escape into the air. Most VOCs are harmless in the concentrations encountered in normal life. For example, methane is emitted from animals but it is not considered hazardous in the concentrations found in dairy barns. Ethyl alcohol is emitted from cocktails but it is not hazardous in the concentrations found in bars.
.02 In new homes and offices, there is a "new house" scent caused by VOCs emitted by items such as new paint, particle board, furniture, and carpet. This "new house" scent diminishes rapidly, usually lasting only a few weeks because of ventilation and declining emissions.
.03 As new home occupants begin to use household products such as cleaners and polishes which emit VOCs, the VOCs in the indoor air increase to a level which is then maintained more or less constantly. Meanwhile, the VOC content of the building materials and furnishings continues to decline until there is essentially nothing left. A crossover occurs within the first few months of occupancy, when emissions from consumer products increasingly outweigh any residual emissions from building materials and home furnishings.
.04 Most people enjoy the smell of a new house, and many rarely complain about it. There are, however, people who have anxieties about the composition of indoor air, and researchers are searching for any relationship which might possibly exist between the VOCs in indoor air and the concerns of those individuals who may be hypersensitive to certain VOCs.
.05 A new carpet rolled up and packaged, and fresh from the carpet mill where it was produced will have a "new carpet" smell. This is most noticeable when the roll is opened and it may continue to be noticeable for a few days afterward. The majority of VOCs in a roll of new carpet dissipate within one week. After that point the carpet is essentially VOC free. Providing ventilation and fresh air will speed up the process.
.06 Consumers or building managers aiming to minimize the VOC content of indoor air should pay particular attention to the ventilation of newly-carpeted spaces in the first week. In rare instances where an individual's hypersensitivity is an issue, arrangements may be made for rolls to be opened and laid flat off-site for a number of days before delivery and installation.
.01 All living matter, as well as many of the materials used to make household products and building materials, is made of organic chemicals. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are those which are light enough to evaporate at room temperature and so escape into the air. Most VOCs are harmless in the concentrations encountered in normal life. For example, methane is emitted from animals but it is not considered hazardous in the concentrations found in dairy barns. Ethyl alcohol is emitted from cocktails but it is not hazardous in the concentrations found in bars.
.02 In new homes and offices, there is a "new house" scent caused by VOCs emitted by items such as new paint, particle board, furniture, and carpet. This "new house" scent diminishes rapidly, usually lasting only a few weeks because of ventilation and declining emissions.
.03 As new home occupants begin to use household products such as cleaners and polishes which emit VOCs, the VOCs in the indoor air increase to a level which is then maintained more or less constantly. Meanwhile, the VOC content of the building materials and furnishings continues to decline until there is essentially nothing left. A crossover occurs within the first few months of occupancy, when emissions from consumer products increasingly outweigh any residual emissions from building materials and home furnishings.
.04 Most people enjoy the smell of a new house, and many rarely complain about it. There are, however, people who have anxieties about the composition of indoor air, and researchers are searching for any relationship which might possibly exist between the VOCs in indoor air and the concerns of those individuals who may be hypersensitive to certain VOCs.
.05 A new carpet rolled up and packaged, and fresh from the carpet mill where it was produced will have a "new carpet" smell. This is most noticeable when the roll is opened and it may continue to be noticeable for a few days afterward. The majority of VOCs in a roll of new carpet dissipate within one week. After that point the carpet is essentially VOC free. Providing ventilation and fresh air will speed up the process.
.06 Consumers or building managers aiming to minimize the VOC content of indoor air should pay particular attention to the ventilation of newly-carpeted spaces in the first week. In rare instances where an individual's hypersensitivity is an issue, arrangements may be made for rolls to be opened and laid flat off-site for a number of days before delivery and installation.
3 • GREEN LABEL CARPET TESTING PROGRAM
.01 As indoor air quality (IAQ) is an important environmental consideration for many people today, it is important to know how to identify low-emitting products to preserve the environment. As we spend up to 90% of our time indoors, at home and at work, often in energy-efficient buildings that lack sufficient fresh air ventilation, the quality of the outside air, activities in the building and the presence of people impact on these self-contained environments. Many new construction products, surface finishes, interior furnishings, floor coverings and renovating/cleaning agents play roles in the quality of indoor air.
.02 Even though scientists have told us that new carpet is one of the lowest emitters, responsible carpet manufacturers have been proactive in their efforts to scrutinize their products and develop ways to further reduce product emissions.
.03 In the public interest, the Canadian Carpet Institute has adopted the US Carpet & Rug Institute's (CRI) Indoor Air Quality ("Green Label") Carpet Testing Program that minimizes the potential of emissions from new carpet installations.
.04 The goal of this Program is to help consumers with their buying decisions by identifying products that have been tested and meet stringent IAQ requirements
.05 How the Program Works: In the testing program for carpets, samples are collected from the manufacturer's production process. Each sample is tested individually for chemical emissions by an independent laboratory, using highly sophisticated dynamic environmental chamber technology. The test procedure follows an approved methodology recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D-5116). The volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions are identified and quantified as though the carpet was in a "real building" situation. Carpets are re-tested on an ongoing basis to ensure that the required emission levels are not exceeded. Carpets are tested for total organic compounds, formaldehyde (to show that it is not used in the manufacturing process), 4-PC (4-phenylcyclohexene), and styrene.
.06 The Criteria: Products that meet the emission criteria are allowed to display the "Green Label" (it is usually found on the back of carpet samples). This authorized label displayed on the product contains an identification number assigned specifically to the individual manufacturer for each carpet that meets the criteria. If the products exceed the emission criteria, the manufacturer is so advised and is requested to make process or formulation changes in order to reduce the emissions. After the appropriate product modification, the manufacturer may resubmit the product for additional testing. Products that do not meet the test criteria will not thereafter be allowed to affix the "Green Label" until they meet the test program criteria.
The Green Label is indicated below:
.01 As indoor air quality (IAQ) is an important environmental consideration for many people today, it is important to know how to identify low-emitting products to preserve the environment. As we spend up to 90% of our time indoors, at home and at work, often in energy-efficient buildings that lack sufficient fresh air ventilation, the quality of the outside air, activities in the building and the presence of people impact on these self-contained environments. Many new construction products, surface finishes, interior furnishings, floor coverings and renovating/cleaning agents play roles in the quality of indoor air.
.02 Even though scientists have told us that new carpet is one of the lowest emitters, responsible carpet manufacturers have been proactive in their efforts to scrutinize their products and develop ways to further reduce product emissions.
.03 In the public interest, the Canadian Carpet Institute has adopted the US Carpet & Rug Institute's (CRI) Indoor Air Quality ("Green Label") Carpet Testing Program that minimizes the potential of emissions from new carpet installations.
.04 The goal of this Program is to help consumers with their buying decisions by identifying products that have been tested and meet stringent IAQ requirements
.05 How the Program Works: In the testing program for carpets, samples are collected from the manufacturer's production process. Each sample is tested individually for chemical emissions by an independent laboratory, using highly sophisticated dynamic environmental chamber technology. The test procedure follows an approved methodology recognized by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D-5116). The volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions are identified and quantified as though the carpet was in a "real building" situation. Carpets are re-tested on an ongoing basis to ensure that the required emission levels are not exceeded. Carpets are tested for total organic compounds, formaldehyde (to show that it is not used in the manufacturing process), 4-PC (4-phenylcyclohexene), and styrene.
.06 The Criteria: Products that meet the emission criteria are allowed to display the "Green Label" (it is usually found on the back of carpet samples). This authorized label displayed on the product contains an identification number assigned specifically to the individual manufacturer for each carpet that meets the criteria. If the products exceed the emission criteria, the manufacturer is so advised and is requested to make process or formulation changes in order to reduce the emissions. After the appropriate product modification, the manufacturer may resubmit the product for additional testing. Products that do not meet the test criteria will not thereafter be allowed to affix the "Green Label" until they meet the test program criteria.
The Green Label is indicated below:
.07 R-2000: The federal government of Canada, through its R-2000 New Home Program, authorizes the installation of "Green Label" approved carpet in unlimited quantities in these super-tight houses.
.08 Availability: For availability of "Green Label" approved carpet contact the Canadian Carpet Institute for the names of its manufacturer-members who offer such carpets.
.09 Reminder: It is also important to know that with new carpet, adequate ventilation during and after installation can lower concentrations and minimize the impact on IAQ. Regular and effective cleaning also adds to good air quality.
.08 Availability: For availability of "Green Label" approved carpet contact the Canadian Carpet Institute for the names of its manufacturer-members who offer such carpets.
.09 Reminder: It is also important to know that with new carpet, adequate ventilation during and after installation can lower concentrations and minimize the impact on IAQ. Regular and effective cleaning also adds to good air quality.