New Armstrong AirGuard™ Coating For Ceilings Removes Formaldehyde From Indoor Air

Breakthrough technology converts naturally occurring and man-made formaldehyde present in interiors into an inert substance

(HIT) - Armstrong Ceiling & Wall Systems has introduced AirGuard™, the first coating for ceiling tiles that actively removes formaldehyde and other aldehydes in indoor air.

Initially available on Armstrong Ultima® ceiling panels, the breakthrough, patent-pending coating technology for improving indoor air quality converts naturally occurring and man-made formaldehyde present in interiors into an inert substance permanently captured by the ceiling.

Clean indoor air is especially important to the elderly and immune-compromised patients in healthcare settings, elementary-aged children in educational facilities, and people who spend 90% of their time in office buildings.

Removes Over 90% during the First Year

Applied to the back of ceiling tiles, the AirGuard Coating actively removes aldehydes during the commissioning and early occupancy of a building. In fact, tests show that it eliminates over 90% of formaldehyde during the first year of use, when off-gassing from new materials presents the greatest risk to occupant health.

During normal occupancy, it removes over 90% of formaldehyde in the first year. Over a 10-year period, the average formaldehyde reduction is 50%, a claim backed by UL-Environment™.

Also Reduces Exposure during Spike Periods

The AirGuard Coating also helps reduce exposure level and time during “spike” periods. These occur when formaldehyde concentrations increase dramatically due to human activity and indoor air reactions with consumer products such as cleaning agents and office equipment.

Performance Backed by UL-Environment™

Independent and industry tests validate the performance of AirGuard Coating. It is a UL-Environment Certified Product and listed in the UL Database of Validated and Certified Products. UL provides independent testing and evaluation of claims and reassesses through the UL Conformity Integrity Service to assure ongoing compliance.

AirGuard Coating testing and measurement also followed ASTM procedures ASTM 5116-10 and D 5197-03, and ISO Standard ISO-16000-23.

Tests also show that the performance characteristics of fine-textured Ultima ceilings with AirGuard are unaffected by the new coating. This includes the ceiling’s acoustic and light reflectance properties as well as its durability, recyclability, and resistance to sag, mold/mildew, and bacterial growth.

Can Contribute to Nine LEED® Credits

In addition, Ultima with AirGuard Coating ceilings can contribute to LEED and LEED for Schools criteria in nine credit categories, including Renewable Materials, Recycled Content (71%), Energy (Light Reflectance 0.90), Daylight & Views, Regional Materials, Waste Management, and Innovation (Active removal of indoor pollutants).

For additional information on the new AirGuard Coating, call 1-877-ARMSTRONG (1-877-276-7876) or visit armstrong.com/airguard.

About Armstrong:
Armstrong World Industries, Inc. is a global leader in the design and manufacture of floors, ceilings and cabinets. In 2010, Armstrong consolidated net sales totaled $2.8 billion. Based in Lancaster, PA, Armstrong operates 33 plants in eight countries and has approximately 9,500 employees worldwide.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center

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