Why doesn’t the FloorScore program use total VOCs as a product performance metric?
The measurement of total VOCs (TVOC) is specific to the product studied and, at best, can be used to compare the emissions of products that emit a similar profile of VOCs. Since the TVOC measurement is mixture dependent, large uncertainties are associated with comparisons across different product types with different emission characteristics. Thus, TVOC is inappropriate as a metric for determining the acceptability of VOC emissions in a program that encompasses many product types. In addition, a Nordic scientific panel extensively reviewed the literature on TVOC and health and concluded that there is “an inadequate scientific basis on which to establish limit values or guidelines for TVOC both for air concentrations and for emissions from building materials” (Andersson et al., I997, Indoor Air, vol. 7, pp. 78-91). As recognized by the California EPA Integrated Waste Management Board, “TVOCs cannot be used to indicate potential health effects” (CIWMB, November 2003, Building Material Em
