The importance of proper wooden floor care for cleaner indoor air quality

Major new report about the adverse health effects caused by air pollution states consumers should consider reducing the use of products and materials that release

high levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). The report, that concluded around 40,000 people die each year due to the effects of air pollution, attracted widespread media coverage when it was published by the Royal College of Physicians.

VOCs and other chemicals contained in household cleaning products were listed as a source of indoor air pollution. By choosing ‘low emission’ products, consumers can therefore reduce their exposure to air pollutants in the home and lessen possible adverse health effects. The possible health consequences of exposure to indoor air pollutants include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory irritation, effects on the heart and cancer, as well as non-specific symptoms such as headache, tiredness and loss of concentration. Women in the early stages of pregnancy, babies, young children and the elderly are most at risk.

The extensive publicity attached to the report means informed consumers will be searching for products that they can trust not to pollute the air in their homes. One option for cleaning product retailers is to stock a range of products that are certified by GREENGUARD as ‘low emission’ and that carry the organisation’s distinctive green logo. The UL Environment’s GREENGUARD Certification programme helps manufacturers create and buyers identify interior products and materials that have low chemical emissions. All certified products must meet stringent emissions standards based on established chemical exposure criteria. GREENGUARD Certification is recognised and accepted by sustainable building programmes and building codes around the world. Additionally, the GREENGUARD Product Guide serves as a free online tool for finding certified low-emitting products for offices, hospitals, schools and homes.

All Bona’s cleaning and maintenance products for wood and hard floors are GREENGUARD certified as low emission products. The range includes cleaners for wood, stone, tile and laminate floors as well as polishes and refreshers. The company’s innovative Spray Mop also offers a quick and easy way of applying the cleaner which is highly effective and safe for use on all types of hard floor.

Bona has been producing professional wood floor treatments in Sweden since 1919 and, in the 1970s, pioneered the development of safe, water based treatments to replace harmful solvent formulations.

There is plenty of useful advice about wood floor care at bona.com plus more information about choosing low emission products and GREENGUARD.