Solon, Ohio—Allergy Standards Limited (ASL), an independent global certification company and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), the leading patient organization for people with asthma and allergies, have deemed Tarkett Powerbond RS flooring as certified asthma and allergy friendly—the world’s first soft surface flooring to receive this designation, according to the company.
“Powerbond was introduced in 1967 and decades later, is still ahead of its time,” said Roxane Spears, vice president, sustainability, Tarkett North America. “Health and well-being are important topics for our customers. Powerbond RS was specifically developed to address potential problems associated with indoor air quality and building-related illness. This type of third-party certification gives validity to the innovative work Tarkett has done to create healthy, sustainable products.”
Powerbond RS is a hybrid resilient flooring, meaning it combines the look and feel of carpet with the durability and cleanability of a resilient surface. The company said its made with an impermeable, closed-cell cushion backing and installed with chemically welded seams which provides a wall-to-wall moisture barrier to prevent mold and mildew. Its low pile height also allows for the easy removal of dust and allergens. In testing, 95% of allergens were removed effectively with a simple dry vacuuming.
Exacerbation of asthma, allergies and other respiratory illnesses has been linked to exposure to indoor air pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The company said Powerbond RS is made with low VOCs, including its pre-applied adhesive, ensuring the product installs quickly and contributes to healthy indoor air quality over the life of the floor.
“We congratulate Tarkett in achieving the asthma & allergy friendly certification for the Powerbond RS collection,” said John McKeon, CEO, Allergy Standards Ltd. “Tarkett has added its hybrid resilient flooring, which is the first in the soft surface flooring category to achieve certification and we applaud their strong commitment to creating healthier indoor environments. This will make it easier for people with asthma and allergic sensitivities to find flooring options that meet their needs.”
AAFA and ASL said they joined together to create the asthma and allergy friendly Certification Program, which is based on science. To become certified asthma and allergy friendly, a product must pass rigorous, product-specific standards developed by ASL’s team of scientists and reviewed by AAFA’s medical experts, according to the company. A product must pass all certification requirements to become certified, indicating that the product is proven to be better suited for those with asthma and allergies. Powerbond RS was tested for VOCs, allergen removal and particulate release into the air during cleaning.
According to AAFA, there are more than 50 million Americans experiencing various types of allergies each year and 25 million with asthma. Asthma is the leading chronic cause of school absenteeism among children.
True to the company’s commitment to Tarkett Human-Conscious Design, the company said Powerbond RS was developed for the well-being of both people and the planet. In addition to its research-backed design, which is scientifically proven to help mitigate against indoor asthma and allergy irritants, Powerbond RS is made from recycled materials and is free of ortho-phthalates.
All Powerbond RS designs are also protected with Eco-Ensure, a proprietary, fluorine-free, anti-soil chemistry that provides enhanced soil protection and removal, as well as durability to foot traffic. Eco-Ensure is Cradle to Cradle Certified Platinum in the material health category.
Powerbond RS’s unique construction is available in hundreds of Tarkett designs and can be combined with Tarkett’s Imaginations program to display customized visuals such as brand names, logos, mascots, wayfinding or communications.
“Launched over 50 years ago, Powerbond still has no equal in the industry,” Spears said. “Having this official certification is a huge step forward not only for the flooring industry, but also for the millions of people who suffer from asthma and allergies.”