Selecting the right flooring products for a healthcare facility is no simple task. You have to consider several important factors, beyond just your budget. Hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other healthcare facilities need to ensure their floors are not only safe to walk on but also don’t pose any other health hazards. How could flooring materials possibly cause health issues? Three words: volatile organic compounds. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are present in many everyday products and materials, and can cause a range of health issues.
VOCs are a serious concern for flooring in healthcare facilities. Here’s an overview of what you need to know about them and why Rikett flooring materials are a smart and safe choice for your facilities.
What are VOCs?
VOCs are organic gases that are emitted from certain solids or liquids that are in a volatile state at room temperature. These gases are composed of a variety of chemicals, some of which may cause health risks.
Common Products with VOCs
Organic compounds and chemicals that are classified as VOCs are ingredients in many commercial products. Cleaning products, polishes, air fresheners, and disinfectants all contain organic solvents, many of which contain VOCs. Repeated use of products that contain VOCs can increase the presence of organic compounds indoors up to five times their levels outdoors.
Organic compounds are present not only in items like cleaning products. They are also in the materials used in many structures. For example, floor installations often use adhesives or glues that contain VOC. Some engineered building materials can also contain VOCs. These materials can release harmful chemicals, which is a big concern in sensitive environments like healthcare facilities.
Potential Health Risks
Several conditions are associated with prolonged exposure to high levels of VOCs. According to the EPA, these conditions include:
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Headaches
- Loss of coordination
- Liver, kidney, or nervous system damage
- Cancer
Warning signs that you may be at risk include:
- Chronic headaches
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Skin rash or allergic reactions
Regulation of VOC Emissions and Safe Healthcare Flooring Options from Rikett
Although you have to be cautious when selecting flooring materials for a healthcare facility, there are ways to identify safe products. Regulations on the methods of manufacture and the purpose of the products limit VOCs, providing consumers with safe options. At Rikett, our healthcare flooring solutions prioritize patient safety and well-being. That is why all of our flooring solutions are MAS Certified Green and utilize low-emitting materials. In fact, our products use 80% less adhesive than traditional flooring solutions.
