At FreeStyle, we’ve created an innovative design for laboratory flooring that eliminates the need for adhesives. With the elimination of adhesives, you’re removing the potential for solvent emissions. What does this mean to the integrity of your lab?
VOCs are a common element in laboratories, from ethanol to acetone, formaldehyde to acetonitrile, there is no shortage. However, when it comes to controllable factors such as flooring and the paint you choose, you can better several elements of your laboratory.
VOCs impact air quality
Air quality is a concern not only for workers but also for the integrity of specific tests. For example, IVF facilities are extremely sensitive to the effects of VOCs in the environment. In separate studies, four separate areas of fertility rates were monitored: rate of fertilization, embryo cleavage, blastocyst formation, and pregnancy. Within these studies, laboratories that implemented measures to reduce the amount of airborne VOCs all had a dramatic increase in positive reactions in all four categories.
Although this is only one area of concern, there are hundreds of results that may be affected by the toxic fumes of volatile organic compounds. Thus, reducing the toxic fumes were possible is crucial to any clean room.
Epoxy isn’t the only solution
One of the most commonly used flooring adhesives is epoxy. Known for its water and slip-resistance properties, epoxy may seem the perfect clean room flooring solution. However, it can also be one of the most dangerous solutions for your laboratory flooring. While all epoxy flooring solutions have a VOC level, this level can differ between products.
Below is a list of the most common health concerns revolving around epoxy adhesive:
- Cancer
- Respiratory irritation and inflammation
- Asthma
- Endocrine disruptor
- Reproductive disruptor
Even though epoxy is the go-to out of familiarity, remembering there are other options available ensures the utmost safety for your environment. FreeStyle BioLock was designed to eliminate the potential for solvent emissions from adhesives. Without the need for adhesives, you have a safer flooring solution.
For more information on how SelecTech can bring your laboratory to new heights with the most innovative flooring solutions on the market, contact our team today. With little to no downtime, you’ll be left wondering why you didn’t call us sooner (508) 583-3200.
