UL, AQS to Certify Indoor Air Cleaners
Underwriters Laboratories will partner with Air Quality Sciences, Inc., an indoor air quality solutions provider for healthy indoor environments, to test and certify indoor air devices against an improved UL 867 ozone emission standard, according to an Aug. 14 press release.
The partnership was created to respond to manufacturers who must comply with a new regulation adopted by the California Air Resources Board that limits ozone emissions from indoor air cleaning devices sold into California.
In 2006, the American Lung Association of California, Consumers Union, and the appliance industry sought to limit ozone emissions from indoor air cleaners (such as intentional ozone generators, ionizers, and electrostatic air cleaning devices) being sold into California.
UL, in coordination with interested stakeholders, refined the UL 867 test method for ozone to ensure the accuracy and repeatability of the test. To demonstrate compliance with the regulation that is expected to become effective in October, manufacturers must have their products tested to the improved edition of UL 867 and certified by California within 24 months of the effective date; essentially by October 2010. While the state air board is finalizing its regulation, any testing done today at UL can be used to demonstrate compliance to the upcoming effective date.
"We have seen too many businesses misleading consumers on the safety and efficiency of their indoor air cleaners," said Mary Nichols, chair of the California Air Resources Board. "These highly reputable organizations will help cut through all of the marketing noise by assuring that all air cleaners sold in California do not emit unhealthy levels of ozone, the main component of smog, and that they are safe for Californians to use."
Approximately 60-80 consumer appliance manufacturers of indoor air products are expected to be affected by the new regulation. The ozone test facility owned by AQS completed the audit to ensure testing compliance against the revised edition of UL 867. UL and AQS will be monitoring other potential developments in order to meet anticipated demand driven by the requirements.
"With our science-driven approach, we are dedicated to ensuring that indoor air quality is a priority in providing healthier environments," said Marilyn Black, Ph.D., chair and chief scientist of AQS. "The combined forces and expertise of AQS and UL in our support of the CARB regulation will help jump-start a gradual shift to improve the quality of air we breathe in our homes and our offices -- in California, the United States, and abroad."
For more information on the indoor air cleaner regulation, visit http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/aircleaners/aircleaners.htm.