Building Materials Emissions

This November 2003 study tested 77 products for emissions that might affect indoor air quality. The categories of products studied included acoustical ceiling panels, carpet, fiberboard, gypsum board, paint, particleboard, plastic laminates, resilient flooring, tackable wall panels, thermal insulation, and wall base. Thirty-four products were identified as “standard” materials and 43 as “alternative” (in most cases the alternative material had high recycled content).