The National Academy of Sciences has called for the implementation of indoor air pollution standards for work places, homes and schools to aid in this effort. Meeting changing safety demands and guidelines is nothing new for the adhesives industry. However, some floor covering adhesives for carpet and sheet goods are still being produced with solvent-containing chemicals. A number of approaches have been taken in producing new, low-VOC formulations. It is important for specifiers, however, to understand these new products, as well as their performance claims.
All floor covering adhesives contain some measure of VOCs for effective performance.
It is the level of VOCs, however, that should be addressed in determining a product's safety. This evaporation also emits VOCs, although at a lower level than solvent-containing products. No matter the manufacturing method used, specifiers and installers should check the VOC level of each product for low-VOC compliance. Those products with VOC levels falling below Southern California's limit may be considered safe for use. Not only are they safe for the environment, Advanced Adhesive Technology adhesives offer no-solvent performance with reduced VOC emissions for cleaner indoor air quality and very low odors.