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The Indoor Air Quality Solution Outgassing Did you know that the “new” smell that greets you upon entering a newly constructed building is the out-gassing of chemicals used to manufacture and treat many building materials, and that it’s a warning sign that toxic volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) could be flowing into your lungs and the lungs of everyone else inside? VOCs Formaldehyde is a VOC you’ve likely heard of, but there’s a plethora of these potent narcotics that react with nitrogen and sunlight to create ozone, which in turn decreases human lung function. When you consider that over 70,000 chemicals are routinely used in the U.S. today, it’s no surprise that asthma cases have increased by more than 160% since 1989, and that about 1 in 13 children now have asthma. The situation is worsened by construction trends toward air-tight buildings and less outside air filtration, resulting in the re-circulation of chemicals and VOCs over and over through indoor air. Indoor Air Quality Then there’s the multitude of mold spores, mildew bacteria, pollen and dust to contend with. One in every four Americans suffers from allergies and/or asthma, caused or aggravated by polluted indoor air, which the EPA says is anywhere from 2 to 10 times more hazardous than outdoor air. Since the EPA declared indoor air quality an important environmental health problem in the U.S., and focused especially on schools, those in design and construction have become diligent about finding ways to improve air quality.Air Quality and Flooring
Flooring and other hard surface finishes deserve attention. Whereas vinyl and carpet have been favorite choices due to their “low cost”, it is time to reconsider the long term health costs of these VOC-laden and/or spore-friendly flooring finishes. Not only are most brands made from products that produce high VOC’s, the anti-microbial additives and products used to clean these types of flooring systems can also contribute to poor indoor air quality. And while tile can be an attractive finish, grout is known for harboring mold and mildew. Indoor Air Quality Flooring Solution But there is an alternative! EnviroGLAS Terrazzo is an odorless, zero VOC-producing, naturally bacteria-resistant flooring and hard surface system that requires only water, neutral pH cleanser and buffing to maintain. What’s more, 75% of the ecological floor comes from recycled glass diverted from a landfill. And you’ve never seen anything more beautiful. What about cost? Over a 40 year period it’s lower than carpet, vinyl, and even ceramic tile due to its durability and lower maintenance costs. The smell test verifies it - EnviroGLAS Terrazzo is the definitive solution to the air quality flooring and hard surface problem.
EnviroGLAS • 3941 Legacy Drive, Suite 204-211B •
Plano, Texas 75023
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