Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics stronger or more flexible. They can be found in some polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic products, including vinyl flooring, caulks, paints, food containers, and more. People can be exposed to phthalates by inhaling indoor air in rooms with large surfaces of PVC-containing products.13
Solvents
Manufactured solvents such as benzene, xylene, and toluene are present in flooring products as well as in adhesives, caulks, and other products that are used to install and maintain them. They are emitted into the air from those products and can cause a wide range of adverse health effects.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable VOC often used in building materials and insulation as well as in the resins used to manufacture composite wood products such as hardwood plywood, particleboard, and medium-density fiberboard. Humans are mainly exposed by breathing indoor air that contains off-gassed formaldehyde.14 While not specifically mentioned in the Six Classes, formaldehyde can be used as a solvent—which is in the Six Classes—and can cause breathing problems and other human health issues.
VOCs
VOCs encompasses a wide range of chemicals that are present in gas phase within indoor spaces. Any of the above chemicals can be present as VOCs after they have been emitted from a product.
Adhesives used in flooring
Like flooring materials, adhesives are an integral part of flooring solutions. They are used to ensure good long-term performance. However, they often contain VOCs, which can increase the likelihood of indoor exposure.
Since products with high levels of VOCs can cause allergic reactions and trigger respiratory symptoms, designers should look for adhesives with low VOC content that have been independently assessed by a third-party agency.
For adhesives, specifically, designers should also look for manufacturers that provide product Material Health Certificates (MHC) indicating they have been formulated to protect human and environmental health.
