Selection of Classroom Materials
Our primary emphasis in the selection of alternate materials for use in two source modified RCs was placed on reducing indoor concentrations of VOCs that appear on California regulatory lists of toxic chemicals (Table 20). Formaldehyde was of particular concern because it is a potent sensory irritant and is considered a probable human carcinogen. The materials selected for use in the standard and modified classrooms are listed in Table 21. One of the two schools to receive both a standard and modified classroom (School A) elected to use an upgraded glue-down Nylon 6,6 carpet in both classrooms. At the other school (School B), a broadloom Nylon 6 carpet was to be installed in the standard classroom and a Nylon 6,6 carpet with an olefin hard backing was to be installed in the modified classroom. The modified classrooms at both schools were to be finished with mineral fiber acoustical ceiling panels that had no measurable emissions of formaldehyde and with tackable wall panels that were covered with Teflon-coated vinyl fabric.