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Celebrate Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month With Low VOC Flooring

LIFECORE Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month

LIFECORE® Flooring Options Help Improve Indoor Air Quality

October is here, bringing with it a fresh opportunity to focus on the quality of the air we breathe indoors. While we often pay close attention to outdoor air pollution, indoor air can be just as critical for our health and well-being. That’s why October is designated as Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month — a time dedicated to educating homeowners and businesses on the importance of maintaining a healthier indoor environment.

One of the most effective ways to improve your home’s indoor air quality is by choosing low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) products—especially when it comes to flooring. Flooring covers a significant surface area indoors and can impact your IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) more than you might think. Let’s dive into why indoor air quality matters, how VOCs impact your health, and how LIFECORE®’s low VOC flooring solutions can make your home a safer, healthier place to live.

What is Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month?

Every October, National Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the importance of maintaining healthy air inside our homes and workplaces. While many focus on outdoor air pollution, the quality of the air we breathe indoors can have a profound impact on our health and overall well-being. This month-long observance is dedicated to educating homeowners and businesses about the harmful effects of indoor pollutants like allergens, dust, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), and encouraging practices that help create a cleaner, safer living environment.

Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month serves as a reminder to assess the materials and products used in our homes — especially flooring, furniture, houseplants, and cleaning supplies— that could be affecting the air we breathe. By making smarter, sustainable choices, homeowners can significantly reduce indoor air pollution, improving the health of our families and the quality of our indoor spaces.

Why is Indoor Air Quality Important?

When it comes to health and comfort, indoor air quality (IAQ) is essential. Poor indoor air quality can trigger respiratory issues, headaches, skin irritation, and long-term health problems. Many of these issues are linked to the presence of VOCs — chemicals often found in common household products like paints, sealants, and flooring.

What are VOCs? How Do They Impact Indoor Air Quality?

VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds, are harmful chemicals released from various building materials and household products. They are commonly found in adhesives, paints, sealants, and some types of flooring — especially those made from synthetic materials. When VOCs are released into the air, they contribute to indoor air pollution, leading to an increase in pollutants that can negatively affect health.

The impact of VOCs on indoor air quality is significant. Prolonged exposure to these compounds can result in a range of symptoms — including headaches, nausea, skin rashes, and respiratory issues. For people with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory sensitivities, high VOC levels can exacerbate their conditions. In severe cases, some VOCs have even been linked to long-term health issues. These factors make choosing low VOC flooring a critical decision for improving your indoor air quality.

What is Low VOC Flooring?

Low VOC flooring is crafted using materials and finishes that emit fewer volatile organic compounds, resulting in reduced chemical off-gassing. Compared to many newer flooring options which are made from PVC and may contain harmful phthalates, low VOC hardwood floors offer a healthier alternative. LIFECORE® engineered hardwoods are low VOC and free of phthalates, ensuring significantly fewer toxins into your home — enhancing your indoor air quality and creating a safer, healthier living environment.

How Low VOC Flooring Improves Indoor Air Quality

Low VOC flooring can significantly enhance your home’s air quality by reducing the presence of harmful chemicals that contribute to indoor pollution. Unlike traditional flooring that often contains high levels of VOCs, low VOC flooring — such as LIFECORE® flooring — is manufactured with a focus on sustainability and health from start to finish. The result? Minimal off-gassing and cleaner indoor air.

Here’s how LIFECORE® low VOC flooring improves indoor air quality:

  • Reduced Off-Gassing: LIFECORE’s ZERO-ADDed formaldehyde adhesives and low VOC finishes are engineered to emit fewer chemicals, minimizing the release of harmful toxins into your living space.
  • Allergy Relief: Fewer chemical emissions mean a reduction in allergens, making your home more comfortable for family members with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.
  • Healthier Environment: With low VOC flooring, you’re reducing exposure to toxic chemicals that can lead to serious health issues over time.

How Does LIFECORE® Create Low VOC Flooring?

Creating a truly low VOC product requires more than just swapping out a few materials. LIFECORE® has developed a comprehensive “forest to floor” process that prioritizes sustainability and health at every stage. From the initial sourcing of raw materials to the final product, every step is taken to ensure that their floors contribute to a healthier indoor environment.

  • Responsible Sourcing: LIFECORE® starts by selecting hardwoods from responsibly managed forests, ensuring the raw materials are both sustainable and eco-friendly.
  • Non-Toxic Adhesives: All LIFECORE® products use ZERO-ADDed formaldehyde adhesives, eliminating a common source of VOCs found in traditional flooring.
  • Low VOC Finishes: Each plank is sealed with a low VOC finish, providing the same durability and beauty as conventional finishes but with far fewer emissions.
  • Rigorous Testing and Certification: LIFECORE® conducts thorough VOC indoor air quality testing, adhering to strict indoor air quality VOC standards to ensure that their products meet and exceed IAQ VOC limits.

How is LIFECORE® Flooring Certified for Indoor Air Quality?

LIFECORE® is proud to hold some of the industry’s top indoor air quality certifications, verifying that their flooring meets rigorous standards for low VOC emissions. These certifications include:

  • Indoor Air Advantage Gold: Confirms that LIFECORE® products meet stringent indoor air quality standards, making them safe for homes and commercial spaces.
  • FloorScore®: Certifies that LIFECORE® flooring products comply with California’s stringent indoor air quality requirements for VOCs.
  • CARB Phase 2 Compliance: LIFECORE® products comply with California Air Resources Board regulations, which are among the toughest in the country for formaldehyde emissions.
  • Lacey Act Compliance: Ensures that all hardwood used in LIFECORE® products is legally sourced and environmentally responsible.

Top Choices for Low VOC Flooring With LIFECORE®

LIFECORE® offers a range of premium, low VOC flooring options that suit any style preference—from modern to rustic. Whether you’re looking for the subtle elegance of oak or the dramatic grain patterns of hickory, each option is crafted with ZERO-ADDed formaldehyde and low VOC finishes to help you create a healthier, more beautiful home.

Adella Rich Request

With its deep, warm tones and captivating grain patterns, Adella Rich Request transforms any room into a luxurious space. This stunning oak hardwood floor from LIFECORE® combines timeless elegance with innovative low VOC finishes, ensuring your home not only looks beautiful but also maintains healthy indoor air quality. Perfect for creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, Adella Rich Request pairs exquisite design with the assurance of healthier living.

Allegra Maple Tapestry

Allegra Maple Tapestry weaves together the best of modern sophistication and sustainability. This exquisite maple hardwood flooring features a soft, neutral palette, making it an ideal backdrop for both contemporary and classic interiors. With LIFECORE’s® ZERO-ADDed formaldehyde adhesives and low VOC finishes, Allegra Maple Tapestry promotes better indoor air quality while delivering a smooth, refined aesthetic that elevates any space.

Anew Oak Treasured Pearl

The delicate, muted tones of Anew Oak Treasured Pearl bring a sense of tranquility and refinement to your home. Its subtle whitewash finish highlights the natural beauty of the oak grain, making it perfect for bright, open interiors. Anew Oak’s low VOC emissions and commitment to environmental standards ensure that your flooring choice doesn’t just enhance your home’s look—it also contributes to a healthier, cleaner living environment.

H20ME Designer Splash Studio

H2OME Designer Splash Studio marries the natural beauty of hardwood with cutting-edge waterproof technology, making it the ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and any moisture-prone areas. Featuring LIFECORE®’s closed-cell construction and low VOC finishes, this innovative flooring option is as sustainable as it is durable. With Designer Splash Studio, you get the best of both worlds: high-style hardwood that supports healthier indoor air quality and stands up to everyday wear and tear.

Celebrate Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month by Installing LIFECORE Floors

Choosing LIFECORE® means choosing a healthier home without compromising on beauty, durability, or design. Celebrate Indoor Air Quality Awareness Month by upgrading your space with the best flooring for indoor air quality — LIFECORE®’s stunning, sustainable hardwood options. Contact us today and find a dealer near you.

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