ЕРА Takes a "Stand" on the Carpet Controversy

In October 1987, the EPA installed carpet at its headquarters in the Waterside Mall in Washington, DC. A total of 1,141 complaints were received regarding adverse health effects related to the new carpet.3 These complaints included decreased short-term memory, loss of concentration, confusion, anxiety, headaches, joint and muscle pains, rashes, digestive disorders, reproductive abnormalities, asthma, insomnia, chronic fatigue, and multiple chemical sensitivities. Dozens of workers remained permanently disabled. After the EPA investigated these carpet complaints from its headquarters building, it published a report showing a positive correlation between the EPA worker complaints and the new carpet.6

Despite the results of its own study, and the removal of 27,000 square yards of carpet from the headquarters building in 1989, the EPA published a public information brochure that stated, "Limited research to date has found no links between adverse health effects and the levels of chemicals emitted by new carpet."c

Several different adhesives for carpeting (refer to manufacturer)

• Envirotec Health Guard Seaming Tapes: Several different seaming tapes for carpeting (refer to manufacturer)

• Hendricksen Naturlich Manufacturer’s Adhesive

Carpet Treatment

Tire following carpet treatment will help remove pesticides, formaldehyde, and other chemicals from the carpeting and pad and will seal in chemicals to prevent outgassing: AFM SafeChoice Carpet Shampoo, AFM

EPA’s Director of Health and Safety told the Washington Times that "the freshly manufactured carpet clearly caused the initial illness." Within a few weeks of making that statement he was removed from his job. EPA management expressed concern that testing and regulation of carpet emissions could potentially cost the carpet industry billions of dollars.6

Discussion

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received hundreds of complaints about carpets causing respiratory and neurological problems.6 Toxic emissions from carpets include fumes from formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, toluene, butadiene, styrene, and 4-phenylcyclohexene (4PC). These chemicals can potentially cause cancer, birth defects, reproductive disorders, respiratory problems, and neurological damage such as anxiety, depression, inability to concentrate, confusion, short-term memory loss, and seizures. In spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary,

SafeChoice Carpet Seal, and AFM Safe — Choice Lock-Out. Follow the manufacturers instructions. Test a small sample of carpet with these products for shrinkage and color fastness prior to full application.

The treatment is not suitable for carpets with a large wool or cotton content because the wet application can cause shrinkage.

Wet-Applied Finish Materials

Paints, stains, and sealers are all wet-applied finish materials that will have a significant impact on indoor air quality as they are drying.

the carpet industry has consistently denied adverse health effects of carpeting.

In 1992, in response to public concern, the carpet industry announced its GreenTag program, which has lured consumers into a false sense of safety. The program tests only a small sampling of carpets once a year. The testing is based only on volatile organic compound emissions, not biological health effects/ In fact, some carpets from the Green Tag program tested at the Anderson Labs have caused death to the mice exposed to their fumes.9

a. Bill Hirzy. "Chronology: EPA and Its Professionals: Union Involvement with Carpet." 1992. Cited in "Carpet: Trouble Underfoot." Informed Consent. November/December 1993,p. 31.

b. US Environmental Protection Agency. "Indoor Air Quality and New Carpet: What You Should Know." EPA/560/2-91/003. US Government Printing Office, March 1992.

c. Bill Hirzy."Chronology: EPA and Its Professionals:

Once thoroughly cured, they will no longer release VOCs. While some materials will have very low odor and/or will dry almost instantly, others may be odorous for months. Because of the large surface area that these materials cover, their impact can be significant and they must be carefully chosen. Consider the following:

і. Performance: A product that is more durable will not need to be reapplied as often. A product that is more odorous initially but has time to completely cure during the construction period may well be worth considering if it is more durable than the

Union Involvement with Carpet." 1992. Cited in "Carpet:Trouble Underfoot Unformed Consent. November/December 1993, p. 31.

d. Susan E. Womble. "Evaluation of Complaints Associated with the Installation of New Carpet." Memorandum, Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) Chemical Hazards Program, August 13,1990.

e. Ibid.

f. Carpet and Rug Institute. "Carpet Industry Program Steps Out Front on Indoor Air Quality: Labeling for Consumers Now Underway." Press release, July 17,1992.

g. Anderson Laboratories."Carpet Off-gassing and Lethal Effects on Mice." Press release, August 18, 1992.

alternatives. However, adequate ventilation for the construction team during the curing period must be included in this strategy.

2. Application Procedure: Manufacturers instructions must be strictly followed. If applications are not sufficiently dried between coatings, they may remain tacky and odorous indefinitely. This same problem can occur if underlying joint compounds or plasters are not sufficiently cured.

3. Construction Protocol: Good ventilation during the application of wet products will not only speed drying time but will also (along with the use of recommended safety gear) help assure the well-being of the construction team. Furthermore, good ventilation at the time of application will reduce the impact of these odors on porous materials that can acquire odor easily Planning for and specifying a flush-out period at the end of all construction is a good way to allow outgassing prior to occupancy. Where weather permits, fans can be used with open windows to speed this process. Air filters and ventilation equipment may help during inclement weather.

4. Factory applied finishes: Some materials come with an optional factory-applied prefinish. Wood, bamboo and cork flooring, and ceramic tiles are some examples of materials that are commonly offered prefinished or unfinished. Factories often have facilities for safely and fully curing the finishes before the products are shipped out. These factory-applied finishes are often more durable than the lower-VOC finishes that would be suitable for onsite application. Prior to approving a factory — applied finish it is prudent to have a dated sample sent to you to examine along with an MSDS. On occasion, samples may still have persistent odors or the MSDS may reveal the use of unacceptable toxins.

Paints

Because paints cover such large surface areas, careful selection is crucial. Paints are commonly a source of indoor air pollution. Certain paints and coatings, on the other hand, can improve indoor air quality by sealing out odors in subsurfaces so that they do not out — gas into the living space.

All paints and wet-applied coatings have

three major components: pigment, binder, and carrier, also known as the vehicle. Water — based (latex) paints use water as the carrier whereas oil-based (alkyd) paints use a variety of much more volatile solvents as the carrier. In the past, oil-based paints were considered to be more enduring than latex paints. However, with recent improvements in latex paint technology, oil-based paints can be entirely eliminated from residential construction. Among the thousands of latex paints available, there is a wide range of volatility, toxicity, and performance. Since the previous edition of this book was published, many more low — to zero-VOC water-based paints have become available from commercial manufacturers. In addition, some of the original commercial ‘environmental paint” products have been reformulated for higher performance in the areas of hide ability, wearability, and scrubability.

Low VOC is not the only measure of a paints effect on human health. Both synthetic binders and various additives can cause negative reactions for some people, and paints often contain substances that are environmentally undesirable. Finding out about the presence of these ingredients can be challenging. Additives such as biocides are often proprietary or are present in such small amounts that they are not required to be listed on an MSDS.

Several independent nonprofit organizations have arisen internationally to set environmental standards for consumer products. Green Seal is a US-based organization that has created evaluation standards for architectural coatings that have low-VOC emissions and exclude five heavy metals and 21 toxic organic compounds. The commercially available paints listed below have, according to the manufacturers, met these Green Seal criteria.

A more extensive list can be obtained through Green Seal.

Individuals with chemical sensitivities should test paints to determine the best choice for them. Our experience has shown that sensitivities vary and that none of the paints has a perfect track record with everyone. In some cases, paints with acrylic rather than vinyl or vinyl acrylic binders have been better tolerated. Below are several low — to zero-VOC content paints that you may wish to consider for your project.

Commercially Available Interior Zero — and Low-VOC Paints from Conventional Manufacturers

Following are widely distributed low emission paints. Please note that the product names shown in bold type are the paint line being recommended for each manufacturer. These manufacturers also make paint lines that we do not recommend.

• Air Care Odorless: Solvent-free eggshell and flat by Coronado Paints

• American Pride 100 Line: Green Seal certified zero-VOC paints by Southern Diversified Products

• E Coat and Enviro-Cote: Paints by Kelly — Mo ore

• Enviro-Pure: Green Seal certified zero — VOC paints by M. A. Bruder & Sons

• Genesis Odor Free: Paints by Duron

• Harmony: Paints by Sherwin Williams

• Lifemaster 2000: Paints by ICI Dulux/ Glidden

• Premium Interior Paint Zero VOC:

Green Seal certified zero-VOC paints by Olympic

• Pristine Eco Spec: Green Seal certified paints by Benjamin Moore

• Yolo Colorhouse: Green Seal certified zero-VOC interior paints by Yolo Color — house.

• Z-coat (59-Line): Green Seal certified zero — VOC interior paints by General Paint

Specially Formulated Paints from Alternative Manufacturers

Although generally more expensive, the following paints have been specially formulated and often better meet the needs of chemically sensitive individuals:

• AFM SafeCoat Enamel Low VOC and Safecoat Zero VOC: Formulated with propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol and free of ammonia, acetone, formaldehyde, and masking agents

• Ecological: Odorless, formaldehyde-free, water-based terpolymer paint

• Enviro Safe: No fungicides, low-biocide, and custom mixed to order

• Miller Aero: Specify low-biocide, nofungicide

• Murco GF1000 and Murco LE1000: No

fungicides and only “in-can” preservatives that enhance shelf life but become entombed in the dry paint

Paints Derived from Natural Sources The following paints, which are derived from natural sources, contain few or no petrochemically derived ingredients and maybe more environmentally sound choices. Some may not be suitable for the chemically sensitive. Products that contain d-limonene may have vapors that are more toxic than those of petroleum distillates or turpentine and should be used with proper ventilation.1 They are often harder to work with, but when skillfully used can render a more lively wall surface:

• AGLAIA Natural Paints: Plant-based natural paint products, free of petrochemicals and artificial resins

• Auro Natural Paints: Made exclusively from natural sources by Sinan Co., with efforts made to support ecological diversity

• BioShield Clay Paint #12: Zero-VOC paint made from naturally occurring clays

• BioShield Solvent Free Wall Paint and BioShield Casein Milk Paint: Very low VOCs, made from natural or minimally toxic synthetic materials

• Green Planet Paints: Zero-VOC clay — based paints utilizing soy resin and mineral pigments

• Livos Naturals: Low-toxic paints, all ingredients listed on label, many organically grown; both water — and oil-based products available

• Milk Paint: Made from milk protein, lime, earth pigments, and clay, petrochemical — free, biodegradable, nontoxic, odorless when dry; not recommended for damp locations because it is susceptible to mildew. Milk paint can sour in liquid form. Comes in powder form in 16 colors (see Clear Coat as recommended topcoat).

• Minerva Finishes: Line of all-natural lime-based paints for interior and exterior applications (refer to product literature for specific application and use)

• Sinan Company: Several natural water — based and casein-based paints (refer to Resource List for various products)

Vapor Retardant Paints

The following paints are vapor retarders that can be used to block unwanted outgassing from vapors found in a material:

• 86001 Seal: A clear, water-reducible primer sealer and vapor retarder

• AFM Safecoat New Wallboard Prime — coat HPV: Specially formulated to cover the uneven porosity of new gypsum board and other surfaces with a high recycled content

• AFM Safecoat Transitional Primer: For

use on various previously treated surfaces; seals and reduces outgassing

• BIN Primer Sealer: A white pigmented shellac sealer used as an undercoat/primer/ sealer, free of biocides, effectively seals in odors from drywall, and should be used in a well-ventilated space since the alcohol base is strong smelling during application (available through most paint and hardware stores)

Stains and Transparent Finishes

Many standard sealers for wood are solvent — based and contain several highly toxic chemicals that outgas for long periods after application. Several more healthful water-based products are now available. Since water-based products tend to raise the grain on wood or absorb unevenly, many installers who are inexperienced with their use have been disappointed with the results. We have found several good installers who have overcome their initial reluctance and now insist on using less — toxic, water-based products, knowing that in doing so they are safeguarding themselves, their employees, and their clients. Natural, more healthful oils, lacquers, shellacs, and waxes are also available.

Clear-Seal Water-Reducible Wood Finishes

• AFM Safecoat AcriGlaze: Clear mixing medium and finish, ideal for restoring old finishes, sealing, and preserving painted work

• AFM Safecoat Hard Seal: Used in conjunction with AFM Safecoat Lock-In New Wood Sealer

• AgriStain: Bio-based interior and exterior stain for metal, wood, gypsum, and cement

• Aqua-Zar: Water-based nonyellowing

polyurethane in satin or gloss finish

• Clear Coat: Nontoxic acrylic coating for use over painted and wood surfaces; may be used in conjunction with Extra-Bond, which will promote adhesion on surfaces other than bare wood

• Hydrocote Hydroshield Plus: Water — based polyurethane for interior and exterior use

• Zip-Guard Environmental Wood Finish:

Clear finish for interior woodwork (the same company makes a product called Zip-Guard, which is solvent based)

Natural Oil, Lacquer, and Shellac Wood Finishes

• AFM Naturals Clear Penetrating Oil:

Plant-based sealer for interior and exterior wood applications

• AFM Naturals Oil Wax Finish: Plant — based hardener and sealer for unfinished wood, bamboo, and cork

• Auro No. 123 Natural Finishing Oil: Oil primer, sealer, and protective treatment

• Auro No. 143 Organic Linseed Oil Finish: Interior and exterior penetrating, protective, and conditioning treatment for wood

• Auro No. 251 Clear-Coat Paint Glossy: Oil-based transparent finishing lacquer for use on indoor surfaces; can be tinted

• BioShield Primer Oil #1: An oil-based sealer that creates an elastic and breathable grain-enhancing prime coat for priming and sealing hardwoods and softwoods

• BioShield Resin Floor Finish #4: Breathable and elastic finish that will create depth and dimension in flooring substrates of all types

• BioShield Penetrating Sealer #5: Crafted from linseed oil, plants, and other less hazardous materials, a high-solids primer that excels at sealing cork, dry and absorbent woods, slate, stone, and brick

• BioShield Hard Oil #9: Specially recommended for high-moisture and high- traffic areas, this is one of the most durable low-VOC oils suitable for hard and softwood floors

• Block Oil: Natural finish for any wooden food preparation surface; may be used to treat any unsealed interior wood surface

• Sinan Company No. 143 Linseed Oil: Organically grown, for plain oiled-rubbed finish

• Sinan Company No. 251 Natural Clear Varnish, Clear, Glossy: Clear, Glossy #251 or Clear, Satin #261 varnish with good covering qualities for indoor wood use only

• Sinan Company No. 253 Natural Undercoat Enamel, White, Water-Based: Suitable for priming or intermediate coats for interior and exterior use on wood

• Sinan Company No. 260 Natural Enamel, White, Water-Based, Interior, Satin: Low-gloss lacquer for interior use only, to be used after one undercoat of No. 253; can be tinted

Wood Stains

• AFM Safecoat Durostain: Interior and exterior

• BioShield Aqua Resin Stain: Zero-VOC, resilient wood stain finish for interior and exterior applications

• BioShield Earth Pigments #88

• Hydrocote Danish Oil Finish: Stain that colors and protects in one step

• Livos Kaldet Stain, Resin & Oil Finish: Satin, semi-flat, water-resistant finish, interior and exterior, strong surface hardening capacity for wood cabinets, doors, and windows

• OS Color One Coat Only: Natural oil- based stains

• PureColor: Two-stage stain formulation of pure mineral ions and oxygen catalyst with no solvents, oils, VOCs, odors, acids, or bleaches

Clear Vapor-Barrier Sealants for Wood

These products are used to help lock in noxious fumes so they do not escape into the air. In fact, since no seal is ever perfect, vapor — barrier sealants generally serve to decrease the amount of outgassing at any one time while increasing the overall time it takes for any substance to completely volatilize. We recommend that all efforts be made to speed up the outgassing time prior to application of vapor barrier sealants.

Outgassing can be accelerated by using filtration or adsorbers indoors or by doing the application outdoors in a weather-protected area whenever possible. VOCs readily release noxious vapors in heat. Harmful chemicals can thus be dissipated more quickly if they are exposed to elevated temperatures. This can work well in controlled factory conditions but is not recommended for products in the home. Adsorbers are substances such as zeolite or aluminum silicate to which VOCs adhere. When adsorbers are placed in a room, they help remove VOCs from the ambient air.

Although most coatings seal to some degree, and will be more effective when applied in several layers, the following products are advertised by their manufacturer as recommended specifically for locking in noxious fumes. The manufacturer s instructions for application must be followed in order to achieve an optimum seal.

• AFM Safecoat Hard Seal: Clear sealer for low-moisture areas

• AFM Safecoat Safe Seal: Clear sealer for porous surfaces; also an effective primer

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ЕРА Takes a "Stand" on the Carpet Controversy

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