As consumers, we often prioritize the aesthetics and functionality of products over their potential impact on our health and the environment.
However, with the increasing awareness of the harmful chemicals present in everyday products, it’s essential to consider the potential health risks they pose.
Fortunately, there are certifications like GREENGUARD Gold that help us make informed decisions and ensure the products we use are safe and healthy.
GREENGUARD Gold is a third-party certification program that tests products for chemical emissions and ensures they meet strict health-based criteria. It means that the product has been rigorously tested and verified to emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are known to cause health problems such as respiratory issues, allergies, and headaches.
In this blog post, I’ll dive deeper into what GREENGUARD Gold certification means and why it matters.
I’ll explore the benefits of using certified products and how it contributes to creating healthier indoor environments.
Moreover, I’ll discuss the rigorous testing process and criteria that products must meet to receive the certification.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the GREENGUARD Gold certification program and how it can help you make informed purchasing decisions.
The Science of Chemical Emissions
As a new mom, you’re likely concerned about the safety of your baby and want to do everything in your power to keep them healthy.
However, many everyday items in your home can emit harmful chemicals that pose a risk to your baby’s health.
Chemical emissions from products can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and headaches. That’s why it’s essential to understand the science of chemical emissions and how to minimize exposure.
Chemical emissions refer to the release of gases and particles into the air from a product or material.
These emissions can be harmful to human health and can lead to acute and chronic health effects. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are one of the most common types of chemical emissions found in products.
They are present in paints, cleaning products, furniture, and other household items. Exposure to high levels of VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and even more severe health effects.
What is GREENGUARD?
GREENGUARD is a third-party certification program that tests products for chemical emissions and ensures they meet strict health-based criteria.
The certification is based on rigorous testing and evaluation of products in specialized testing chambers to measure their emission levels.
What GREENGUARD Gold Certified Means
GREENGUARD Gold certification is the highest level of certification awarded by the program.
It means that the product has been rigorously tested and verified to emit low levels of VOCs, which are known to cause health problems such as respiratory issues, allergies, and headaches.
The certification also ensures that the product meets other health-based criteria, including limits on formaldehyde and phthalates.
Why GREENGUARD Gold Certified Matters
As a new mom, you want to ensure that your baby is safe and healthy.
GREENGUARD Gold certification helps you make informed decisions about the products you use in your home.
Certified products have been tested to ensure they emit low levels of harmful chemicals, contributing to creating healthier indoor environments. B
y choosing GREENGUARD Gold-certified products, you’re taking a step towards protecting your baby’s health.
Minimizing Other Pollutants
Aside from using GREENGUARD Gold-certified products, there are other ways to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals in your home.
- Open Windows: Opening windows and letting in fresh air can help improve indoor air quality by diluting and dispersing harmful chemicals.
- Decorate With Plants: Adding plants to your home can help remove harmful chemicals from the air. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, improving air quality. Just make sure whichever plants you choose are non-toxic for babies. Here’s a great starting point for inspo.
- Install An Air Quality Monitor: Air quality monitors can detect the levels of harmful chemicals in the air, alerting you when the levels are too high.
- Use An Air Purifier: Air purifiers can help remove harmful chemicals from the air, providing a cleaner and healthier indoor environment.
- Run An Exhaust Fan: Running an exhaust fan in your kitchen and bathroom can help remove harmful chemicals and moisture from the air.
What if a crib is not GREENGUARD certified?
If a crib is not GREENGUARD certified, it does not necessarily mean it’s unsafe.
However, it’s essential to research the materials and finishes used in the crib to ensure they meet safety standards.
You can also opt for a GREENGUARD-certified mattress to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals.
What is the difference between GREENGUARD Gold and Certified?
GREENGUARD Gold certification is a higher level of certification than GREENGUARD certified. GOLD certification ensures that the product meets stricter health-based criteria for chemical emissions, including limits on formaldehyde and phthalates.
What are the benefits of GREENGUARD?
GREENGUARD certification helps consumers make informed decisions about the products they use in their homes by providing an independent third-party assessment of a product’s chemical emissions.
The certification process involves rigorous testing and evaluating products in specialized testing chambers to measure their emission levels.
By choosing GREENGUARD-certified products, consumers can have confidence that the products they use are healthier and have lower chemical emissions.
Is GREENGUARD Gold non-toxic?
GREENGUARD Gold certification does not mean that a product is completely non-toxic.
However, it does ensure that the product emits low levels of harmful chemicals, making it a safer choice for indoor environments.
GREENGUARD Gold-certified products have been tested and verified to emit low levels of VOCs, formaldehyde, and other harmful chemicals.
Does GREENGUARD Gold mean formaldehyde-free?
GREENGUARD Gold certification does not mean that a product is completely formaldehyde-free.
However, it does ensure that the product meets strict limits for formaldehyde emissions.
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that can cause respiratory issues, so choosing products with low formaldehyde emissions is essential.
Does GREENGUARD Gold test for lead?
No, GREENGUARD Gold certification does not test for lead.
However, products may undergo lead testing as part of other certifications or regulations, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulations.
Which green certification is best?
There are several third-party certification programs for green products, each with its own criteria and standards.
GREENGUARD Gold is considered one of the most rigorous and respected certifications for indoor air quality.
Other reputable certifications include the Cradle to Cradle Certification, Energy Star, and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.
What brands are GREENGUARD certified?
There are many brands and products that are GREENGUARD certified, including furniture, flooring, paints, adhesives, and building materials.
Some popular GREENGUARD-certified brands include IKEA, Herman Miller, Mohawk, and Benjamin Moore.
Here’s an example of a super simple crib that’s GREENGUARD certified. There’s just such a peace of mind with knowing that your little one is sleeping in an environment where they’re not breathing in off-gassing of VOCs.
How do products get GREENGUARD certified?
To become GREENGUARD certified, a product must undergo rigorous testing and evaluation in specialized testing chambers to measure its chemical emissions.
The testing is conducted by independent third-party laboratories accredited by the program.
The product must meet strict health-based criteria for chemical emissions, including limits on VOCs, formaldehyde, and other harmful chemicals.
Once a product meets the certification criteria, it can display the GREENGUARD certification mark, giving consumers confidence that the product is healthier for indoor environments.
Final Thoughts
As a new parent, it’s essential to ensure that your baby is safe and healthy, especially when it comes to indoor air quality.
Choosing GREENGUARD Gold certified products is a step towards creating a healthier indoor environment for your baby. Also, incorporating other strategies such as using air purifiers, running exhaust fans, and adding plants to your home can help minimize exposure to harmful chemicals.
By understanding the science of chemical emissions and making informed choices, you can create a healthier home for your family.
pSST… Like this post? Check out my post on baby changing table hacks!