FloorScore® IAQ Certification
Item specifics
- Period
- 2022/11/30 - 2023/12/1
- Certification bodies
- Scientific Certification Systems
Certificate description
What is FloorScore Certified?
FloorScore is a voluntary, independent certification program that tests and certifies hard surface flooring and the materials they’re made with to ensure they are in compliance with stringent indoor air quality emissions.
Every hanflor vinyl floor is FloorScore certified. 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 Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) is an industry trade association of leading resilient flooring manufacturers and suppliers of raw materials, additives and sundry flooring products (adhesives) for the North American market. RFCI developed FloorScore together with Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) to test and certify flooring products for compliance with indoor air quality emission (volatile organic compounds or VOC’s) criteria of the California Section 101350 standard. The FloorScore certification leads to healthier, cleaner air. One of the concerns of indoor air quality is the emission level of specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Poor indoor air quality is caused by inadequate ventilation, poor cleaning and/or excessive emissions of VOCs from surfaces and finishes. Independent studies have shown that we spend as much as 90% of our time indoors at work, home, shopping or children in schools. Breathing air of poor quality you risk health problems such as headaches and dizziness.
SCS also tests other building products for VOC emissions that can impact Indoor Air Quality such as paints, other architectural coatings, sealants, adhesives, wall coverings, floor coverings, ceiling tiles, wall paneling, and furniture components and systems used in public and commercial office buildings, schools, medical buildings, residences and other building types. This standard applies to building products and furniture which are intended for long term use. The standard addresses chronic inhalation exposures of building occupants to toxic, airborne organic chemicals.
FloorScore Certification is a third-party certification created by the Resilient Floor Covering Institute. Experts test hard surface flooring products to certify that they are in compliance with strict indoor air quality standards. Any product that meets these stringent standards is a product that will contribute to good indoor air quality. Essentially, the FloorScore certification means healthier, cleaner air in your home or where you work.
What it tests for
Formaldehyde – Less than or equal to 16.5 µg/m3; and
ii) Acetaldehyde – Less than or equal to 9 µg/m3 ,and
iii) All other organic chemicals with established CRELs – 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. 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.