The Carpet and Rug Institute - Green Label

http://www.carpet-rug.org/residential-customers/selecting-the-right-carpet-or-rug/green-label.cfm

The Carpet and Rug Institute has established the Green Label program to test for VOCs in cushion used under carpet.  This program helps the carpet manufacturer, installer and end user identify and utilize low-emission cushion. 

Cushion products that meet the current emissions criteria can display the program’s green and white seal.  Products are retested regularly for continued compliance, so specifiers seeking a low-emitting cushion can confidently select one bearing the Green Label.

Cushion products are characterized as prime polyurethane, bonded polyurethane, mechanically frothed polyurethane, rubber-hair, rubber–jute, synthetic fiber, resinated or coated synthetic fiber, rubber and rubberized polyurethane.

Cushions are tested for total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), formaldehyde and 4-phenylcyclohexine (4-PCH).

Criteria are base on a maximum emission factor as follows:

• TVOCs: 1.00 mg/m² · hr
  
• BHT: 0.30 mg/m² · hr
  
• Formaldehyde: 0.05 mg/m² · hr
  
• 4-PCH: 0.05 mg/m² · hr
  

In 1992, CRI launched its Green Label testing and approval program, which sets limits for the level of VOC emissions from carpet, adhesives and cushion that can be released into the indoor air.  Since then, the program has voluntary raised IAQ standards four times by requiring even lower emission levels and increasing the number of compounds studied in the Green Label Plus program.

Look for the CRI Green Label Plus logo as proof that the product has been tested and certified by an independent laboratory and has met stringent criteria for low emissions.