South Coast AQMD's new "Clean Air Choices Cleaners" 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 South Coast 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
Reference Links:
Eligible products must have a VOC content less than or equal to 10 g/l, as tested by South Coast AQMD 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 Safer Choice, or EcoLogo. 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 South Coast AQMD Test Method 313-06.