Manufacturers that test their products’ impact on indoor environments show a commitment to consumer safety, health and well-being. Product certifications are also a way to differentiate product offerings, showcase corporate sustainability initiatives and comply with emerging legislation. Air Quality Sciences (AQS) has onsite capabilities to perform the following tests and methodologies:
Air Cleaner Efficacy Test
Air cleaners are playing an increasingly important role in achieving good indoor air quality. Paradoxically, however, some of these products can actually worsen indoor environments by removing ― or contributing ― chemical pollutants. AQS dynamic chamber testing reveals how effective these air cleaners are at removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and measures how much ozone the products release during operation. Test results allow manufacturers to understand the effectiveness and human health impact of their products and provide them with data for comparative marketing and advertising. Read more.
ASTM E 1333/D 6007 Testing
AQS is equipped to perform testing according to ASTM E 1333 and D 6007 methods (“Standard Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Concentrations in Air and Emission Rates from Wood Products Using a Large Chamber” and “Standard Test Method for Determining Formaldehyde Concentrations in Air from Wood Products Using a Small-Scale Chamber”). These methods are used to measure formaldehyde emissions from engineered wood products using dynamic environmental chambers. Product manufacturers who employ ASTM E 1333/D 6007 testing can show compliance with HUD and recent CARB formaldehyde regulations and use data for quality control measurements. Read more.
ASTM D 5116/D 6670 Testing
AQS is equipped to perform testing according to ASTM D 5116 and D 6670 methods (“Standard Guide for Small Scale Chamber Determination of Organic Emissions from Indoor Materials/Products” and “Standard Practice for Full-Scale Chamber Determination of VOCs from Indoor Materials/Products”). These methods are used to measure chemicals from products using dynamic environmental chambers. Products tested using this method range from paints and electronics to insulation and textiles. Manufacturers who employ ASTM D 5516/D 6670 testing can evaluate potential health risks associated with their products, comply with emerging legislation and support green building programs such as LEED. Read more.
Basic Chamber Test
AQS can test any product to a variety of recommended standards, including those set by the GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification programs, CHPS, California Section 01350 and LEED, to name a few. AQS can also test products to determine if they emit certain VOCs and other airborne chemicals (such as carcinogens, reproductive toxins and irritants) or if they contribute to building odors. Benefits of the basic chamber test include the ability to track down the source of unwanted building odors, understand the human health implications of a new product and choose low-emitting building materials. Read more.
BIFMA Furniture Testing
The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association (BIFMA) created a test method and standard for chemical emissions from office products. The ANSI/BIFMA M7.1-2007 test method includes guidelines for measuring open plan systems, private office casegoods and office seating products. Some benefits of BIFMA furniture testing include showing acceptance with BIFMA’s X.71 standard, supporting certification under the BIFMA Level Program and using test results in research and development efforts to improve the environmental impact of products. Testing is performed using Air Quality Sciences dynamic chamber testing technology. Read more.
Blue Angel Standard RAL - UZ 122 (for Electronic Printing Devices)
AQS is the only laboratory in the U.S. approved to test for Germany’s Blue Angel (Blauer Engel) Program. For a product to earn the Blue Angel label, hard copy office equipment must meet low-emitting criteria specified by Germany’s Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) and undergo testing by a third-party laboratory. Blue Angel testing also meets the testing requirements of ECMA Standard 328 (European Computer Manufacturers Association) and the emission requirements of the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT). With this testing, AQS can help manufacturers understand the sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and recommend methods for improving their products’ chemical emissions. Read more.
California Section 01350 Test for VOC Emissions
California Section 01350 (or “Standard Method for Testing and Evaluating VOCs from Various Sources Using Environmental Chambers”) outlines emissions criteria for products used in schools, offices and other indoor spaces. This test is required for the National Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) Program and other California green building initiatives. AQS can help manufacturers prove that their products meet this important specification and help them understand how to promote these products in the sustainability marketplace (low-emitting products qualify for many sustainable building credits). Read more.
Carpet Cleaning Verification Test
Carpet cleaning systems and vacuum cleaners can improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants. Unfortunately, some cleaning products and vacuum cleaners may actually add pollutants to the air. The AQS carpet cleaning verification test assesses the effectiveness of cleaning products and services. Test results show how well a product removes dust, mold spores and mite allergens from a carpet; what amount of chemicals and dust particles the product releases into the air during the cleaning process; and how many residual chemicals the product leaves behind. Read more.
GLP Carpet Emissions Testing
The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) certifies carpets for low chemical emissions through its Green Label Plus (GLP) program. AQS conducts the testing and data verification for the program. Using the environmental chamber test, we verify that emissions meet the CRI criteria for total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and key chemicals. We also evaluate carpet products to ensure that they meet the California Section 01350 specification requirements. Carpet manufacturers who take advantage of this test can show compliance with the GLP requirements as specified in LEED, as well as with other green building requirements. They can also use the test results for environmental research and development efforts. Read more.
GREENGUARD Certification Services
GREENGUARD Certification is an industry-independent, third-party indoor air quality certification for low-emitting products and materials. Through specifying low-emitting products to construct buildings, exposure to indoor air pollution can be reduced ― and potential negative health impacts to building occupants can be minimized. GREENGUARD Certification helps manufacturers create more value for their products through established third-party certification, credible sustainability messaging and market outreach optimization. GREENGUARD Certified products can also contribute to points (or credits) in established green building programs such as LEED. AQS provides technical product review, emissions testing and documentation to meet the certification requirements. Read more.
GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Listing Test
A growing number of manufacturers are differentiating their products by earning third-party verification for environmental performance. AQS helps manufacturers understand the sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants that emit from products and recommends methods to achieve acceptable emissions levels. The GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Listing test is ideal for manufacturers who wish to qualify a single product for the GREENGUARD directory or evaluate a product’s eligibility for certification before beginning the certification process. This test is also a good fit for manufacturers who would like to bid out a particular product for building projects seeking LEED certification. Read more.
Mold Resistance Rating Test for Materials
Mold growth on construction materials and furnishings may result in numerous building occupant or worker complaints, such as headaches and breathing difficulties. Mold growth on building materials leads to premature aging of the building and loss of structural integrity. For this reason, architects, specifiers and construction managers want building materials that resist mold growth. AQS employs the ASTM D 6329-98 method (“Standard Guide for Developing Methodology for Evaluating the Ability of Indoor Materials to Support Microbial Growth Using Static Environmental Chambers”) to test materials for mold resistant characteristics. For manufacturers of so-called “mold resistant” materials, this test can back up their marketing claims with scientific proof, and help reach additional markets. In addition, manufacturers with mold resistance qualification can list their products in the GREENGUARD Product GuideSM. Read more.
Odor Assessment Testing for Products
Offensive odors from materials and manufactured products can cause customers or users to consider a product unpleasant or unhealthy. To maintain product excellence and gain acceptability, manufacturers of products, as well as building managers, need assurance that products do not release objectionable, irritating or potentially hazardous odors into an indoor environment. For manufacturers, the odor assessment test helps determine the acceptability of products in indoor environments and mitigate potential problems before the product is widely distributed. For building owners and managers, the test can determine the source of an unpleasant odor and help them take corrective action. AQS has the most extensive chemical odor database available, based on more than 20 years of experience matching odors with chemicals and sources. Read more.
Office Equipment Testing and Risk Assessment
In the absence of standardized regulations, manufacturers and end users of office equipment want to know what their products’ emissions data mean. Will their emissions potentially cause adverse health effects? Will they prompt consumer complaints? AQS conducts an assessment of emissions data to evaluate a product’s impact on indoor air quality. This assessment is a useful tool for alerting manufacturers during their product development process to potential indoor air quality concerns. End users can also evaluate the potential health risks associated with an indoor product. The test complies with recommendations set forth by ISO 16000-6, ISO 16000-9, BAM, GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification™, the U.S. EPA and more. Read more.
Ozone Testing for Air Cleaning Devices
Some studies have shown that air cleaning devices emit high levels of ozone, exceeding regulations set forth by state and federal authorities. Exposure to ozone can result in increased respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and chest tightness, reduced lung function and increased airway inflammation. Children are at increased risk for these symptoms due to their higher breathing rates. Air cleaner manufacturers who participate in dynamic environmental chamber testing can show compliance with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 867 ozone emissions standards. Read more.
Regulatory/Risk Assessment
An indoor air quality (IAQ) risk assessment evaluates a product’s potential to produce adverse human health effects and sensory perception effects, which are characterized by irritation and odor. Using emissions data from an environmental chamber evaluation, we can predict indoor concentration levels of VOCs, aldehydes and other potential pollutants based on the product’s use. We also assess pollutant emissions for a host of regulatory bodies and standards, including those listed in California Proposition 65, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the U.S. EPA, the World Health Organization (WHO) and more. Reasons to undergo this test include quantifying human health impacts of products; having third-party data available in case of litigation; and understanding the association between a product and its potentially odorous, irritating or hazardous chemicals emissions. Read more.
Specialized Testing
If you have a need that isn’t listed here, please contact our customer service department at 770-933-0638 and ask for “Product Evaluations.” AQS can create custom tests and data evaluation protocols based on our clients’ unique objectives. Past custom tests include evaluating space shuttle tile for NASA; measuring chemical emissions from air fresheners for a fragrance research organization; and evaluating the effectiveness of an “odor reducing” technology for a consumer product company. Exposure studies are conducted in either small or large dynamic chambers with accurate analytical measurements. Read more.
For more information, call 770-933-0638 and ask to speak with our Product Evaluations team, or e-mail info@aqs.com.
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