What is Greenguard?
Greenguard Environmental Insitute (GEI) was acquired by Underwriters' Laboratories (UL), in 2011. It is an independent, nonprofit organization that focuses on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which affect indoor air quality. There are three tiers to certification: Greenguard, Greenguard Gold, and Greenguard Formaldehyde-Free. For a complete list of all certified products, you can use the Spot Database, or click here for a list of Dorel Home products.
What are VOCs?
VOCs are carbon-based chemicals, usually man-made, which have high vapor pressure and low water solubility. They are caused by the off-gassing of any number of household goods including construction materials, cleaning products, furniture, paints, pesticides, and personal care products. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), concentrations of VOCs can be as much as ten times higher indoors than outdoors. Toxicity and concentration is unique to each VOC chemical. They are not regulated at state or federal levels and certification such as Greenguard is voluntary. VOCs dissipate over time, they do not all have an odor, and while not considered to put public health at risk, any adverse effects may be greater for the very old or young, or individuals with sensitivities.
Are Greenguard-Certified products VOC free?
No. Each tier of Greenguard certification has a specified emissions rate, with Greenguard as the most lenient and Greenguard Formaldehyde-Free as the most stringent. Certification indicates that levels are below these levels.
What can I do to lessen VOCs within my home?
Because VOCs off-gas over time and are most prominent in new items, allowing these to air out in a well-ventilated space can lessen exposure. Opening windows, installing an air quality monitor, using an air purifier, and keeping indoor plants can help to track and improve indoor air quality.
How often are products tested?
A sample of a product is submitted initially for testing, and then recertification is done once per year.
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