We’re constantly made aware of issues related to outdoor air quality; our weather apps alert us to high pollen counts and Knozone Action Day alerts tell us when it’s best to stay indoors, so, we stay inside. But could the air quality inside our homes be as bad or even worse than the air outdoors? And could our flooring be contributing to poor air quality we breathe inside?
Yes and yes.
The flooring our babies crawl on, our pets pad across, and our bare feet shuffle over could be emitting volatile organic compounds that can contribute to a number of health issues.
But not Shaw flooring.
Shaw flooring comes with the FloorScore Certification, the most recognized indoor air quality certification for hard surface flooring materials. Having the FloorScore certification means that the flooring product has been independently certified under stringent standards as a product that will contribute to good indoor air quality. In other words, the FloorScore certification means healthier, cleaner air.
And that means healthier babies, pets, and the rest of us.
“Shaw is known for being green,” said Todd Moretto, Sales and Design Consultant with ACo.” “They use recycled products, no formaldehyde, are ortho-phthalates free, have low off-gasses, and they have a great FloorScore.”
Volatile organic compounds – gasses given off by a number of sources – are everywhere; the trick is reducing them inside our homes where they are much higher.
Formaldehyde is one of the most common such compounds, found in many building materials like plywood, particleboard and glues. Other sources of these compounds include the burning of fuels (gas, wood, and kerosene), and tobacco products. They can also come from personal care products like perfume and hair spray, cleaning agents, paints, varnishes, and hobby supplies. Manufacturers use ortho-phthalates to make plastic and other materials flexible, but these chemicals can alter hormone levels and cause serious health issues.
Because these compounds are often more concentrated indoors, we open windows, replace filters, and keep dangerous chemicals away from children.
These compounds are nearly impossible to remove entirely,” Moretto said. “This may be why more clients request ortho-phthalate-free flooring. People are concerned about the products in their homes. When it comes to greener, healthier flooring, Shaw is head and shoulders above other major brands.
“At Shaw, we fundamentally believe that everyone should have access to safe, sustainable products for their homes and workspaces,” said Troy Virgo, director, sustainability and product stewardship at Shaw. “The effort matters because people matter.”
ACo partners with Shaw Floors to provide flooring that is beautiful, safe, and environmentally friendly for your home. Call us for a free in-home consultation or to learn more about Shaw Floors available from ACo.
Subscribe to ACo Flooring, Cabinets, Kitchens & Baths's Blog
Comments