Forbo Responds on Indoor Emissions from Linoleum

After reading about results published in the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) study as they pertain to linoleum emissions (as described in “California Releases Data on Indoor Emissions,”

EBN Vol. 13, No. 2), many of our customers have contacted us with questions.

Forbo Linoleum, Inc. was an active volunteer in supplying material and all information needed to participate in this study. Forbo has always been very proactive in its environmental practices and has been involved since the early development of the Section 01350 specification.

Forbo Marmoleum, adhesive, and the combined construction of these materials were all tested for use in the Capital East End project, which was the first California project using the 01350 guidelines. The results of this initial study can be viewed at www.ciwmb.ca.gov/GreenBuilding/Specs/EastEnd/. You will see that Forbo Marmoleum is listed as a passing product. I know that this may add some confusion, but it is just to indicate that this subject takes more than just a few words to understand.

Since the subsequent release of the CIWMB study, and in an effort to further improve the indoor air quality (IAQ) performance of our products, Forbo has been aggressively working with reformulations to address the issues raised by the current model used in the 01350 testing. In recent testing we have already seen reductions of more than 50% of the one emission in question, and we feel certain that in the very near future Forbo Marmoleum will meet all the necessary requirements of the current model used in 01350.

Many other flooring materials tested by the state (such as vinyl composite tile) also exceeded 01350 limits for serious chemicals of concern, such as formaldehyde, naphthalene, and phenol. The Carpet and Rug Institute has written to the Governor of California requesting that the industry have more input on this standard. At Forbo we have chosen to embrace this challenge to improve our IAQ performance and subsequent overall life-cycle assessment (LCA) performance. As committed manufacturers, including ourselves, work to improve the IAQ performance of their products, we must be sure to remember the equal importance of toxic impacts at other stages of the life cycle. Please note that our linoleum not only avoids the hazards of chlorine present in many other flooring materials but also has been subjected to rigorous life-cycle assessment to absolutely minimize its overall environmental impact throughout the “cradle to grave” life cycle.

Forbo Linoleum, Inc. is proactive and transparent in the publishing of LCA information. The Forbo LCA information, which was completed by an independent source and has been third-party reviewed, can be obtained at: www.leidenuniv.nl/interfac/cml/ssp/publications/lcalinoleum.pdf.

As always, Forbo Linoleum, Inc. will be glad to answer any questions you may have. Please refer all questions to info@FL-NA.com. Forbo is always open to continued testing for any new standards or test methods that are brought to our attention, and will stay committed to maintaining a leadership role in sustainable practices. We thank you for your continued support.

Denis Darragh

President and General Manager

Forbo Linoleum, Inc. North America

Hazleton, PennsylvaniaEditors’ Response:

We greatly appreciate Forbo’s constructive and forward-looking response to this situation. The potential confusion regarding the Capital Area East End project can be explained by the fact that Section 01350 results are based not only on product emissions but also on the amount of product used and the ventilation rates. The materials emissions study assumed the presence of more linoleum in each classroom or office than was specified for the East End project.