Eight Healthy Reasons to Specify Ceramic Tile

There are many considerations in specifying materials and surfaces for the built environment, but perhaps none are more compelling than the health and safety of those who will inhabit the space. Sometimes an even greater challenge for design professionals can be quickly and simply communicating the benefits of their selections to clients during concept and design meetings. The trade organization Tile Council of North America (TCNA) has compiled a bulletin outlining all of the health and safety benefits that are naturally inherent to ceramic tile. In a world where many people are hearing dire media reports about “Sick Building Syndrome” and the potential toxicity and possible long-term health impacts of chemicals in modern building products, it is comforting to know that these concerns are a complete non-issue with ceramic tile.

Here are eight compelling health, safety and environmental aspects from the TCNA Bulletin that you can cite in your next presentation:

1) Ceramic tile is entirely free VOCs that can contribute to a variety of health issues
2) It is Formaldehyde-free, unlike wood flooring whose Formaldehyde content has become the subject of strict regulation due to its impact on human respiratory disorders
3) It is free from PVC, a common resin that is the subject of concern among health experts
4) It is is hypoallergenic
5) It is made of natural ingredients such as clay and sand
6) It has a 60-year service life, reducing its environmental impact
7) It is non-flammable and creates zero smoke development in a fire
8) It comes in a wide variety of slip-resistant options

Dr. Joythi Rangineni, the TCNA research scientist who compiled the new report, cited more than thirty sources to validate the information, using strictly peer-reviewed scientific journals and science and research entities such as the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “The scientific community is only recently starting to assess how much interior finishes can affect human health,” says Rangineni.
The TCNA is recognized for its leadership role in facilitating global industry quality standards to benefit tile specifiers and consumers. They regularly conduct independent research and product testing, with this most recent bulletin available here.

Mosa tiles are vitreous ceramic, also known as porcelain, which embody all eight of the TCNA-cited health, safety and environmental benefits, and in addition are the world’s only Cradle to Cradle (C2C) certified tile, adhering to elevated standards of sustainability. They are a perfect choice for commercial projects where health and safety concerns are paramount.