Testing Procedures

Chemical Emission Test Methods

The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) uses advanced dynamic environmental chamber testing, as well as exposure modeling and analytical measurements, to test products and building materials for total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), individual VOCs, formaldehyde, respirable particles, ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon dioxide, semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), very volatile organic compounds (VVOCs), phthalates and other potential airborne pollutants. There are defined allowable levels for key pollutants with known or suspected irritant or more serious health impacts. The majority of chemical analysis is conducted with high-performance chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Some pollutants are measured with real time monitoring instruments or with specialized research techniques. The standards for testing are developed by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute and its scientific partners. All certified products must undergo periodic re-testing and verification to remain certified.  

The GREENGUARD Children & Schools^SM Certification and GREENGUARD Premier^SM Certification programs require products be evaluated for a range of individual chemicals and meet strict limits including one-half of California’s Chronic Reference Exposure Levels (CRELs) as listed in the State of California Department of Public Health's emission test method or California Specification 01350. Products are also evaluated for a wider range of chemicals that are known or suspected carcinogens, reproductive and developmental toxins, as well as irritants that can impact children or sensitive adults through short- and long-term exposure.  

Microbial Resistance Test Methods

GEI initiated a pilot program in 2004 to evaluate the potential for measuring mold resistant properties of materials used in building construction and manufactured for use in the built environment. The test procedure was developed following ASTM Standard D 6329 and evaluates building products, including paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, wallboard, insulation, flooring, ceilings, window components and many other dry and wet materials for inclusion in the GREENGUARD Microbial Resistance Program. The test method was validated for its repeatability and applicability across a wide range of products. The advantage of this test method is a quantitative scale for ranking products for their resistance to environmental mold growth.