First insulation product safe for schools under GREENGUARD

The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute announced that Owens Corning is the first insulation manufacturer to qualify for its GREENGUARD Product Emission Standard for Children and Schools. The certification includes Owens Corning faced and unfaced PINK fiberglass insulation batts and rolls, VaporWick® pipe insulation, flexible duct media, FoamSealR™ sill plate gasket, Foamular® and Celfort® extruded polystyrene insulation, metal building insulation ELAMINATOR® insulation system, Certified R and utility blanket, SOFTR® All-Service Fiber Glass Duct Wrap, and QuietZone® acoustic batts and floor mats.

The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute developed the school certification in response to rising concern over illnesses such as asthma and respiratory illness that are sometimes associated with poor indoor air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that half of U.S. schools have indoor air quality problems, which are blamed for reducing student’s performance on mental tasks requiring concentration, calculation and memory. The certification subjects products to rigorous emissions testing in an effort to protect school children from exposure to high levels of potentially harmful chemicals that may be released from furnishings, paint, flooring products and building products.

“As the leader in the insulation market for 67 years, we are thrilled to be able to continue to be at the forefront of the market on issues facing the industry – especially when it relates to something as sensitive as children and schools,” said Gale Tedhams, product and program manager for residential insulation at Owens Corning.”Along with our industry leading 35% recycled content, acknowledgement from the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute gives our customers valid, third-party affirmation that our products continue to be on the cutting edge of green technology and meet the strictest guidelines for indoor air quality.”