The choice of surface materials has significant impact indoor air quality. All materials used indoors can release different compounds into indoor air, which can either improve or reduce the healthiness of indoor air. In particular, laminates, composite panels and other surface materials may contain chemicals that volatilise into indoor air. With the right choice of materials, you can reduce harmful emissions and create a healthier indoor environment. Knowing the emission ratings of materials and choosing quality products are key to improving indoor air quality.

What is the link between surface materials and indoor air quality?

Surface materials affect indoor air quality by releasing different compounds, namely VOC emissions (volatile organic compounds) in indoor air. These compounds volatilize from materials in gaseous form and can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches, eye irritation and respiratory symptoms.

Many traditional surface materials contain formaldehyde, solvents and other chemicals that degrade indoor air quality. Emissions are typically highest in new materials and decrease over time. We spend about 90 % of our time indoors, so indoor air cleanliness is crucial to our health.

In addition to materials, the adhesives, processing agents and coatings used in their manufacture also have an impact on emissions. The choice of surface materials has a direct influence on the type and amount of substances released into indoor air.

Which surface materials are the safest for indoor air?

The safest surface materials for indoor air quality are low emission and natural materials. High-quality laminates with low formaldehyde content or that are formaldehyde-free are an excellent choice. Modern high-pressure laminates have evolved considerably, and many of them meet the most stringent emission requirements.

Composite tiles, such as quartz surfaces and acrylic composites, are often safe alternatives because they typically do not contain volatile compounds to the same extent as many traditional materials. Natural materials such as untreated wood, stone and ceramics are also good choices.

In particular, materials treated with water-based adhesives and varnish products and environmentally certified products are safer alternatives. In the case of laminates, it is also worth paying attention to the frame material, as this is often a major contributor to overall emissions.

What do the emission classifications of materials tell us?

Emission classifications for materials provide reliable information the indoor climate effects of surface materials. In Finland, the best known emission classification is M1, which is part of the emission classification for building materials. M1-labelled products have been tested in an independent laboratory and meet strict criteria for VOC emissions, formaldehyde, ammonia, etc.

International labels include GreenGuard, Blue Angel and the EU Ecolabel. These classifications test the emissions of products and set limits on how many different compounds a material can release into indoor air.

Emission ratings help you compare different materials and make informed choices. The more stringent the emission rating, the less harmful compounds a product tends to release into indoor air and the safer it is in terms of indoor air quality.

How do you identify indoor air-friendly laminates?

Indoor air-friendly laminates can be identified by their on emission certificates and technical information. Look for laminates with M1 classification or equivalent international eco-labelling. The E1 rating indicates a low formaldehyde content, but nowadays E0 and even Super E0 rated products are also available with very low formaldehyde emissions.

Pay attention to the composition of the product: high-quality resins and low-emission binders make the laminate safer. The product description may mention "low emission" or "low VOC", which indicates good indoor air friendliness.

Ask the manufacturer or supplier for technical data and test reports showing the emission values of the product. Laminates from quality manufacturers are usually thoroughly tested and accurate information on their emissions is available. The age of the material also plays a role - newer laminates emit more compounds than older ones.

Healthy indoor air starts with material choices

The choice of surface materials is one of the most important ways in which you can influence indoor air quality. By choosing low-emission, certified materials, paying attention to installation methods and maintaining surfaces properly, you can create a healthier indoor environment.

Remember to look for M1-rated products or equivalent international eco-labels. Pay particular attention to the technical characteristics and emission data of laminates and other surface materials. The safe choice is to focus on quality and environmental friendliness.

At Lore, we offer a comprehensive range of high quality and low emission surface materials, such as ABET LAMINATI high pressure laminates and KERROCK composite tiles. Our products are carefully selected for their technical properties and their impact on indoor air quality. Our experts will help you to find the right materials for your project, combining good looks with healthy indoor air.