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AQMD's new "Clean Air Choices" voluntary
certification program seeks to raise the profile of
ultra-low-polluting commercial cleaning products in the marketplace.
Commonly used cleaning products are a source of volatile organic
compound (VOC) emissions in Southern California, and contribute to the
formation of smog. Such products include air fresheners, floor care
products, all-purpose cleaners and degreasers, bathroom and tile
cleaners, carpet and upholstery cleaners, automobile soaps, glass
cleaners, and metal polishes/cleansers. To become certified, a
product must meet environmentally preferable qualifications including
a VOC limit of 10 grams per liter or less.
The program is intended to increase awareness of
existing environmentally friendly products as well as to encourage
manufacturers to develop additional low-emission formulations for
products used by maintenance and janitorial workers at government and
commercial office buildings, schools, retail stores, and hotels, as
well as vehicle fleets.
Where can you find certified
products?
What does it mean to be
"certified"?
How can you "certify" your
product?
Manufacturers, suppliers and users can apply for
certification. The certification is valid for three years and can be
renewed upon approval by the AQMD. The certificate becomes invalid if the
material is reformulated or changes such that it no longer meets the
criteria of the certification program.
Where can you obtain more information?
For questions and comments, please contact Mike Morris
at
mmorris@aqmd.gov or (909) 396-3282.
Reference Links:
Eligible products must have a VOC content less than or equal to 10 g/l,
as tested by SCAQMD Test Method 313-06. Additionally, the product must be
tested to verify that no prohibited ingredients in quantities of 0.1 percent
or greater are present. Prohibited ingredients include:
Alternatively, companies may present proof of
certification from an approved third-party life-cycle assessment
organization, such as Green Seal,
U.S. EPA Design for the Environment
or EcoLogo
for non-VOC quantification. Companies that opt for the alternative
third-party approach must still have a VOC content less than or equal to 10
g/l, as tested by SCAQMD Test Method 313-06.
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