What Is GREENGUARD Certification and Why Does It Matter?

When selecting furniture, flooring, or building materials for your home, indoor air quality is often overlooked. However, many household products release harmful chemicals into the air, contributing to poor indoor air quality and potential health risks. This is where GREENGUARD certification comes in.

If you're looking for healthier, low-emission materials, you may have noticed products labeled GREENGUARD Certified or GREENGUARD Gold Certified. But what does this actually mean? Let’s dive into what GREENGUARD certification is, why it matters, and what products to look for to ensure a healthier, non-toxic home.

What Is GREENGUARD Certification?

GREENGUARD is an independent certification program developed by UL Environment to help identify products with low chemical emissions. Products that receive GREENGUARD certification undergo rigorous testing to ensure they emit minimal levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful gases that contribute to indoor air pollution.

Since indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air due to off-gassing from furniture, flooring, paints, and building materials, choosing GREENGUARD Certified products is an effective way to create a healthier indoor environment.

GREENGUARD vs. GREENGUARD Gold Certification

There are two levels of GREENGUARD certification:

1. GREENGUARD Certification

• Ensures low emissions of VOCs, making products safer for indoor environments.

• Suitable for general residential and commercial spaces.

2. GREENGUARD Gold Certification (Stricter Standards)

• Has even lower VOC emission limits than standard GREENGUARD certification.

• Designed for sensitive environments like schools, healthcare facilities, and homes with children.

• Tests for over 360 VOCs and ensures emissions meet California’s strict health-based standards.

For the best indoor air quality, GREENGUARD Gold Certified products are the safest option, especially for homes with young children, elderly individuals, or those with allergies or chemical sensitivities.

What Chemicals Are Restricted in GREENGUARD Certified Products?

To receive GREENGUARD certification, products must meet strict emission limits for toxic chemicals, including:

✔ Formaldehyde – A known carcinogen found in adhesives, plywood, and furniture finishes.

✔ Benzene & Toluene – Chemicals linked to neurological issues and respiratory problems.✔ Phthalates – Common in plastics and vinyl, known to disrupt hormones.

✔ Styrene – Found in some foams and plastics, associated with cancer risks.

✔ Acetaldehyde – A respiratory irritant found in many synthetic materials.

By choosing GREENGUARD Gold Certified products, you are significantly reducing your exposure to these harmful toxins in your home.

Which Products Can Be GREENGUARD Certified?

A wide range of home improvement and furnishing products can be GREENGUARD certified, including:

• Furniture (desks, chairs, mattresses, and cabinets)

• Flooring (hardwood, laminate, carpet, and tile adhesives)

• Paints and Finishes (low-VOC paints and stains)

• Building Materials (plywood, drywall, insulation, and adhesives)

• Mattresses and Bedding

• Electronics (office equipment and air purifiers)

When shopping for these items, look for the GREENGUARD Gold label to ensure the safest, lowest-emission option for your home.

Why You Should Choose GREENGUARD Certified Products

✔ Better Indoor Air Quality – Reduces exposure to VOCs that can cause headaches, dizziness, respiratory issues, and long-term health problems.

✔ Safer for Children & Pets – Young children are more vulnerable to chemical exposure due to their developing immune systems.

✔ Ideal for Allergy & Asthma Sufferers – Low-VOC materials help minimize indoor air pollutants that can trigger allergies, asthma, and respiratory issues.

✔ Meets Strict Health & Environmental Standards – GREENGUARD Gold ensures compliance with California’s stringent chemical emissions standards (CA 01350).

✔ Supports Eco-Friendly Living – Many GREENGUARD products are made with sustainable, non-toxic materials, reducing environmental impact.

Final Thoughts

As we spend more time indoors, choosing GREENGUARD Gold Certified products is one of the simplest ways to improve indoor air quality and create a healthier home. Whether you're remodeling, buying new furniture, or selecting flooring, looking for the GREENGUARD certification label ensures that you're bringing low-emission, non-toxic materials into your space.

By prioritizing non-toxic home choices, you can protect your family’s health while creating a safe, comfortable environment free of harmful chemicals. Let us help you remodel your home where your families health is just as important to us as the design. 561-884-4082