Date Posted:01:38:21 05/12/09 Tue Author:Ora Subject: Re: Rubber Flooring - from recycled tires In reply to:
Sharon
's message, "Rubber Flooring - from recycled tires" on 21:57:30 03/22/09 Sun
Sharon,
I just started doing research on this issue. A friend was just forced into retirement when her employer put natural rubber flooring in the hospital she worked at. It's scarey with the trend to go "green" we are seeing more and more uses for recycled natural rubber, flooring and natural "green" products putting us with latex allergy at a greater risk of exposure. I contacted my allergist with concerns because my latex safe healthcare provider built a "Green" Hospital with natural rubber flooring, his comment was that someone dropped the "ball". The off gassing of accelerators could also be a serious issue in an enclosed building.
Rubber flooring info: http://www.cbpmagazine.com/article.php?articleid=163
Freudenberg Building Systems, Lawrence, MA-based manufacturer of Nora rubber flooring, Noraplan Environcare line offers a complete flooring system that can be used throughout healthcare facilities
http://archrecord.construction.com/green/greenProducts/green09.asp Nora Rubber Flooring
www.norarubber.com
October 2004 updated
Rubber flooring produced by nora is made from renewable natural rubber that is extracted from the sap of tropical plants and synthetic rubber. The flooring contains natural fillers, is PVC-free, has low VOC levels, and uses environmentally compatible color pigments that are free of lead and other heavy metals.
Warnings to those with latex allergy: http://www.citihealth.com/provider_article.php?city=ut&art=1474&hc=3
This article "Is Your Floor a Health Hazard?", by a technology company states, "However, before you invest in this newer cousin in the flooring family, make sure that no one in your family suffers from latex allergies. "
http://green.findanyfloor.com/rubber/AboutRubber.xhtml
Almost all rubber flooring, especially if it's made from natural rubber, has a significant odor. Although the odor it not unhealthy, it can be unpleasant. Some manufacturers do not recommend installing their recycled rubber flooring in enclosed, indoor spaces unless they are extremely well ventilated. Furthermore, anyone who has an allergy to latex should avoid natural rubber products.
