June 12, 2006—The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute, in conjunction with Air Quality Sciences, Inc., released the results of its microbial resistance pilot study. The one-year study measured the ability of products to resist mold growth under adverse temperature and humidity conditions. The study included the development of a microbial resistance rating system for products.
“Destructive mold growth is common on many essential building materials and products, and can lead the degradation of entire buildings,” commented Carl E. Smith, GEI CEO. “This study will help GEI determine if there is an opportunity to better inform building professional about the moisture resistance of the products they specify and install.”
Manufacturers from several different industries submitted product for the study. Product types tested included insulation, ceiling tiles, engineered wood, gypsum panel, flooring, textiles, adhesives, wallcovering, and air filters. Among those companies participating whose products were determined to be resistant or highly resistant to mold are DesignTex, Armacell, Freudenberg Nonwovens (Viledon), W.F. Taylor, Lonseal, and Thermafiber.
Access to the report and a list of products is provided on the GREENGUARD Web site.
Air Quality Sciences, Inc. is a fully integrated indoor air quality (IAQ) company that provides solutions to create healthy indoor environments and avoid potentially dangerous indoor pollution. AQS is also the technical partner for the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute, which provides an independent, third party certification for low emitting products used indoors. For more information, see GREENGUARD’s Web site.
