Earth Day reminds us of the importance of going green and practicing sustainable habits to better the Earth for ourselves and future generations. We accomplish this by recycling, using green products, and many other strategies that have been recommended
by organizations who work hard to help with sustainability.
In the wood floor industry, we can be mindful of sustainability through the products used on the job site. More specifically, products used inside a facility or home can contribute to poor indoor air quality, which can be harmful to you, your customers,
and building occupants. The MAS Certified Green® accreditation ensures a healthier indoor environment.
What is Mas Certified Green®?
All Basic Coatings® floor finishes and sealers recently earned the MAS Certified Green accreditation for a healthier indoor environment. MAS Certified Green and its well-known green leaf logo were created to help consumers identify products
that have been manufactured and designed to specifically reduce chemical emissions in indoor environments. Product types that can earn this certification include interior construction products, furniture, and furnishings.
In collaboration with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method, the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association, and the California EPA referenced by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED and
CDPH, MAS Certified Green formulated a set of rigorous product testing requirements, protocols, and standards. Testing is conducted by Materials Analytical Services, LLC, using samples of the products that are going through the certification process.
Types of Testing
Testing is both static and dynamic to help determine the type and concentration of chemical compounds that are potentially off-gassed from finished products and raw materials into the indoor environment. Static testing involves the measurement of
emissions during short flash emissions, while dynamic testing involves placing a sample in a chamber to monitor off-gassed emissions over a long period of time. This testing helps predict air concentrations in the future by establishing decay
curves for the materials tested.
Using a chamber to test for emissions was originally developed by the EPA to assess the off-gassing of hazardous chemicals from building and interior finish goods. Today, it is now required for certain construction and interior finish materials manufactured
and used in the state of California. It is also necessary to promote Green Building under the USGBC LEED program and many International Standards in Europe or Asia.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the biggest driving factor for emission testing because VOCs are emitted into the air as a product is opened, applied, and dries. They contain a variety of chemicals that may have short-term and long-term health
effects. Some include irritation, organ damage, cancer, headaches, and dizziness. The EPA reports that the indoor concentration of VOCs can be up to 1,000 times higher than what it would be outdoors.
Formaldehyde is one of the best-known VOCs and one of the few indoor air pollutants that can be measured. It is a strong-smelling, colorless gas found in many non-waterbased wood products. At even the lowest levels of formaldehyde exposure, it can
be irritating to the eyes, noses, throats, and skin or potentially trigger an asthma attack. Exposure to high amounts of formaldehyde has been linked to some types of cancer, including nose and throat cancer and leukemia.
Green Products
Besides mandated emission testing, products that meet the MAS Certified Green standards are considered to be “green” products. Green products have gained popularity due to their ability to minimize environmental impact. Some characteristics
of green products include reducing the number of toxins released, disposed of, or consumed, containing recycled materials, reducing wastes, conserving energy or water, and using less packaging. These aspects have sparked an interest and a demand
from consumers because it is one way consumers can do their part in helping the environment.
The MAS Certified Green offers Basic Coatings a sustainable advantage over many competitors. Each Basic Coatings sealer and finish meet the stringent testing and qualifications for VOCs emissions and are compliant with:
- The criteria of the MAS Certified Green program
- LEED v4.1 ID+C, BD+C
- LEED TVOC Emissions at 14-days
- CHPS 2019 Core Criteria 3.0 EQ C6.1.5
To signify that Basic Coatings products are part of the MAS Certified Green program, the logo is displayed on each product page. The logo assures that the products are certified for low VOC emissions. Basic Coatings MAS Certified Green products include:
At Basic Coatings, we are committed to improving the environment one floor at a time. View the official MAS Certified Green Certificate of Compliance here. To learn more about MAS Certified Green, please click here to visit their website.
In addition, Basic Coatings’ complete line of waterbased products contain less than 275 VOC and are NMP-free,
meaning there are fewer harmful fumes and low odor. Other waterbased advantages include faster dry and cure times, long-lasting durability, less yellowing, and non-flammability. Click here to learn more about our sustainability promise. If you have questions about our waterbased products, sustainability, or the MAS Certified Green program, please click here to fill out the online form, and your Basic Coatings Regional Manager will reach out to you.