- 16 Jun, 2020
We all know the most of the products contain chemicals. These chemicals released out into the open. We are all trying our best to live healthy life and therefore we have to pay attention to the products containing formaldehyde (one of the chemical compounds). Formaldehyde is a colorless strong-smelling gas used to make a wide range of value-added products. As an example, many pressed-wood products such as plywood and fiberboard, glues, furniture, flooring, and other materials consist this chemical. It is a very useful chemical in making adhesive products but the same time it is dangerous. High concentration of formaldehyde can create disruption to your health.
The formaldehyde emissions soften over time. A house built in the 1970s before any emission standards were introduced is unlikely to flush formaldehyde gas into your home. The first considerations should be to choose a durable and non-toxic floor to ensure safe indoor air quality. The floors you choose really create the atmosphere in your home and give it its identity.
There are many choices for non-toxic flooring suitable for the chemically sensitive or the health-conscious homeowner. The real hardwood, polished concrete, and tiles are the best options.
Natural solid hardwood flooring is usually my number one choice not only because less formaldehyde but for warmth touch, saving energy, wood stores, “cleaning”, carbon and many more. The prefinished solid-wood flooring has consistently lower formaldehyde emissions – lower than the engineered wood and laminate.
Most wood floors made from layers of wood particles or veneers pressed together and sealed with glue containing urea-formaldehyde (synthetic) resin. Low-profile flooring that expect to be “green,” can be made with this glue. As a result, formaldehyde emissions will be higher than acceptable standards.
There are Worldwide standards to recognize the emission level of the wood product.
Europe
Ratings include:
- E1 – measuring 9mg/100g and below,
- E2 – greater than 9mg/100g to below 30mg/100g,
- E3 – greater than 30mg/100g ratio, and
- E0 – 0.5mg per liter and below.
Japan
Ratings are assigned in four categories: F *, F **, F *** and F ****. The rate F **** having the lowest formaldehyde emissions below 0.005 mg / m2h. Comparing these two standards is difficult due to different methods and different units of measurement.
United States
CARB (California Air Traffic Control Council) studies show that up to 5% of formaldehyde emissions are from composite wood materials.
- Phase 1 – measure equal to or less than 0.08 ppm (parts per million)
- Phase 2 is similar to E0 0.05 ppm
In order to know exactly what you’re getting, find out what rating the flooring has. Look for E0, E1, F****, P1 or P2 CARB ratings for the most environmentally friendly investment, and if the flooring is to be glued down, ask for VOC-free adhesives (Volatile Organic Compound). It may cost a little more, but cleaner air will be worth it.