WONZ Begins New Certification Program

Marietta, GA, Nov. 30, 2010 -— Wool can remove contaminants from the air and improve the health of the indoor environment, according to Wools of New Zealand.

WONZ is promoting this attribute of wool through a Clean Air Certification program.

Products approved to carry the Wool: Clean Air Certified label are tested by a certified independent laboratory and must pass stringent VOC emission testing for 13 contaminants.

In addition, the products are required to meet scientifically established testing standards that verify reductions of VOCs in the indoor environment, including formaldehyde, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.

“Wool is proven to significantly reduce indoor air contaminants within seven hours of installation and to keep contaminants out of the air for 30 years,” says Elise Demboski, executive director of North America for Wools of New Zealand.

“Unfortunately, this unique attribute is overlooked since wool only represents 2% of the market. Through the Wool: Clean Air Certified program, we are bringing wool to the forefront where it will be noticed.”

The program is an Indoor Environmental Quality program managed by Wools of New Zealand. In addition to meeting the U.S. Green Building Council LEED point requirements, the certification also meets the standards for California Section 01350 and Collaborative for High Performance Schools CHPS.

Carpets and rugs containing a minimum of 50% wool are eligible for certification, with Wools of New Zealand partners benefiting from reduced testing fees.

The first company to carry the label on its products is Karastan. All wool carpets and rugs made by Karastan surpass the testing standards and prove to significantly reduce indoor air contaminants.

Related Topics:Mohawk Industries, RD Weis, Karastan