FloorScore is the most recognized indoor air quality (IAQ) certification standard for hard surface flooring materials, adhesives, and underlayments. It was developed by SCS (Scientific Certification Systems), a third party certifier, with the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI), a leading industry trade association of flooring manufacturers and suppliers.
The process:
This voluntary, independent certification program tests and measures risks to indoor air quality. To do this, SCS does the following:
- Works with the manufacturer to identify appropriate samples for testing
- Reviews VOC emission test reports generated by independent testing laboratories
- Determines if the test results meet the California Section 01350 requirements for individual VOCs of concern
- Inspects manufacturing plants to review product formulas, processing, and quality control in order to determine how the FloorScore seal may be used
What it tests for:
- Formaldehyde – The tested product must emit less than or equal to 16.5 µg/m3
- Acetaldehyde – The tested product must emit less than or equal to 9 µg/m3
- All other organic chemicals with established CRELs (Chronic Reference Exposure Levels) – The tested product must emit less than or equal to 1/2 the CREL as listed in the latest edition of the Cal/EPA OEHHA list of chemicals with non-cancer CRELs.
So what does this mean for you, the customer?
Most of us spend as much as 90% of our lives indoors. (Yikes.) If you’re breathing poor quality air, you could risk facing a variety of health problems, including headaches, dizziness, and more serious long-term conditions. Installing FloorScore certified low VOC flooring means you’re making the healthier choice for your home and family.
If you’re a builder, working with FloorScore certified materials can also help you qualify for a variety of green building specifications like LEED, BREEAM, WELL Building Standard, and more.
