Wooden floor coverings are very popular, especially in residential buildings, because they are easily cleaned and their aesthetic appearance. However, researches show that toxic substances contained in many traditional wooden floor coverings adversely affect indoor air quality and pose a danger to human health. The ECO LABEL program addresses this problem and has defined criteria that limit toxic emissions such as formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde compound is usually found in resins and acts as an adhesive in pressed wood products. Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical that emerges as a strong odor and colorless gas, especially when wooden floor coverings are made. When the formaldehyde concentration in the environment is high, it irritates the eyes, nose and throat, especially when applied for the first time. The effects of prolonged exposure to these compounds cause serious health problems.
Thanks to the ECO LABEL criteria, people will now be exposed to less harmful chemicals. These criteria especially reduce the health risk of employees and limit the need for measures such as properly ventilating work areas and maintaining low temperature and humidity levels during application.
ECO LABEL wood floor coverings criteria limit not only formaldehyde but also the number of other harmful chemicals and guarantee a high quality product with optimum performance. For example, the air emissions released from formaldehyde in wood flooring should be less than 50 percent of the threshold. This level is in line with the formaldehyde-containing wood-based panels classification adopted for European Union countries. Criteria are also glue, varnish, paint and flame retardantIt also controls the level of hazardous substances in the recipients.
