Guides / Decision guide
Read indoor-air and formaldehyde labels on flooring
What the federal composite-wood formaldehyde label covers, what FloorScore, GREENGUARD and Green Label Plus certify, and how to check a specific product.
What is not established
- No product in this draft is represented as certified or labeled.
- Installed indoor air concentrations are not established by any label.
- This guide is not medical or environmental advice.
Composite-wood formaldehyde labels
EPA says TSCA Title VI sets formaldehyde emission standards for hardwood plywood, MDF and particleboard and reaches finished goods that contain them, at the same levels as California's CARB Phase II standards. Since March 22, 2019, regulated products must be labeled TSCA Title VI compliant and certified by an EPA-recognized third-party certifier.
EPA's laminate flooring questions and answers explain that the limits apply to unfinished panels, not directly to installed laminate, and that product test results do not convert to indoor air concentrations without significant calculation. If concerned, EPA suggests more ventilation and lower temperature and humidity, and notes it has not verified home test kits.
Voluntary emissions certifications
- FloorScore is an indoor-air-quality certification for hard-surface flooring, adhesives and underlayments, tested to California Section 01350; SCS Global Services is its certifier. It is not a durability, slip or moisture certification.
- UL GREENGUARD certifies chemical emissions into indoor air, and GREENGUARD Gold applies stricter limits; flooring is a named product category.
- The Carpet and Rug Institute's Green Label Plus certifies carpet, carpet adhesive and cushion as low-VOC-emitting.
Each program certifies individual products. A brand-level statement, or this guide, does not show that a quoted product is listed; check the exact product in the program's listing or on the carton.
Original paraphrase of EPA, SCS, UL and CRI pages. No product in this draft was checked against any certification listing.
Sources: EPA formaldehyde emission standards for composite wood products; EPA questions and answers regarding laminate flooring; SCS Global Services FloorScore certification; UL GREENGUARD certification; Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label Plus
Sources
External references are provided for research context. A source link does not indicate enrollment, endorsement, or availability in your area.