Posted by Johann Nacario — December 15, 2022 — Allergy Standards Limited (ASL), an independent global certification company, and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), a leading patient organization for people with asthma and allergies, have deemed Tarkett Powerbond RS flooring as Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly — the world’s first soft surface flooring to receive this designation.
Powerbond RS is soft and comfortable like carpet, but it is a unique hybrid resilient flooring that’s durable and easy to clean — and far less likely to contribute to asthma and allergy triggers. Image courtesy of Tarkett
Roxane Spears, vice president, Sustainability, for Tarkett North America, stated:
Powerbond was introduced in 1967 and, decades later, is still ahead of its time. 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. Made with an impermeable, closed-cell cushion backing and installed with chemically welded seams, Powerbond RS provides a wall-to-wall moisture barrier to prevent mold and mildew. In addition, its low pile height allows for the easy removal of dust and allergens. In testing, 95 percent 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). 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.
Dr. John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards Ltd., remarked:
We congratulate Tarkett in achieving the Asthma & Allergy Friendly Certification for the Powerbond RS collection. 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 joined together to create the Asthma & Allergy Friendly Certification Program, which is based on science. To become Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly, a product must pass rigorous, product-specific standards developed by ASL’s team of scientists and reviewed by AAFA’s medical experts. 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.
Having Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly soft surface flooring ensures that Tarkett is contributing not only to healthier classrooms and learning spaces for children, but also campus housing, corporate offices, senior living communities and more.
True to the company’s commitment to Tarkett Human-Conscious Design, 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, like all Tarkett North America floors, 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.
Roxane Spears added:
Launched over 50 years ago, Powerbond still has no equal in the industry. 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.
To learn more about Powerbond RS flooring and the company’s Asthma & Allergens and Sustainability initiatives, visit Tarkett.
