Indoor air quality – or IAQ – has become somewhat of a buzzword in the home improvement industry. You’ll hear it referred to with just about any product you buy.

And with good reason. We’re just starting to realize the importance of the air we breathe in and its effect on our health for the long term.

Studies show that Americans spend up to 90 percent of our time indoors, whether at work, school, or at home. And when you consider all of the harmful compounds and even carcinogens that go into building materials, you can see how the impact can really add up.

Volatile organic compounds – VOCs – are commonly found in many things. And if you look down at your flooring, you can find VOCs in just about any type of flooring – carpets, vinyl, wood, glues, paints, and finishes. If you finish a floor with a poly finish and you smell a noticeably strong scent, you’re essentially smelling chemicals being offgassed from the finish. And that’s not good for your health.

Although offgassing is the strongest at the time of application, it doesn’t stop there. Offgassing occurs months, years after the initial installation, though the amount decreases over time. Things can also trigger it back into action, such as water damage from a flood.

Approximately 7 million American children suffer from asthma. And children, in general, are more susceptible to the effects that can trigger asthma-like symptoms. That includes the effects of harsh chemicals.

That means whether you’re looking at replacing flooring in a residential or commercial location, it’s worth a little extra time to consider the impact of how it will affect your IAQ. Especially if you are bringing young children into your location on a regular basis.

It doesn’t take much to find safer, healthier alternatives to whatever flooring choice you desire. We can show you options you’ll love for any location, work or home.