Adhesives and Sealants

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One objective of the IEQ–Products & Materials Committee is to reduce the quantity of indoor air contaminants created by adhesives and sealants that are potentially irritating and/or harmful to occupants of buildings. The use of VOC-emitting adhesives and/or sealants should be minimized to the greatest extent possible in order to create an accessible, comfortable environment for the greatest numbers of people.

The designer should specify application of only the minimum amounts of these materials necessary for satisfactory completion of each installation task. Additionally, the designer should select products that have the lowest possible VOC emissions, according to the emissions testing information provided, while still meeting other performance requirements. Caution should be exercised when interpreting adhesive emission data because such data are usually provided without the associated installed products (e.g., flooring materials) and emissions from installed assemblies may differ from manufacturers’ reported adhesive emission rates. If possible, adhesives that contain formaldehyde should be avoided.

The Committee also recommends that paints and finishes be selected that do not contain biocides.

In any building where adhesive use is necessary, it is a good practice to ensure that maximum ventilation is supplied during and after application of these products.

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