AgBB method (Blue Angel)

No, it is not acceptable to use standard AgBB (Blue Angel) test results from the 28 day timepoint. It is also not acceptable to use AgBB test results from an earlier time point (e.g. 3, 7, or 14 days) unless the results are calculated using the exposure scenario parameters from the CDPH Standard Method, as defined in this credit.

Use of standard AgBB (Blue Angel) test results after 14 days or without conversion to the CDPH parameters is not acceptable because it could allow significantly higher emissions to occur (especially as VOC emissions generally decrease over time).

For this credit you must use the CDHS 2004 version of "01350". You cannot use AgBB test data from time points after 14 days.

The AgBB test method is not equivalent to either the CDHS 2004 version of "01350" nor the CDPH 2010 version. That is to say, a flooring product could comply with AgBB and still fail the CDHS and CDPH standards. The reverse is also true -- a flooring product could pass the CDHS and CDPH standards and could fail to comply with the AgBB method. The California methods (CDHS and CDPH) are simply different in many ways from the AgBB method.

The language added to this credit for projects outside of the U.S. was intended to be helpful for projects in regions (primarily in Europe) where fewer products are available that have already been tested and found compliant to the CDHS and CDPH standards. While this language does NOT simply accept AgBB (or BlueAngel) compliance, it does open the door to allow manufacturers to potentially use existing AgBB test data to determine compliance, IF the AgBB data is re-analyzed subject to the limitations specified in this credit language.

These limitations on AgBB are intended to ensure flooring products used in these projects comply with the requirements in the 2004 CDHS version. Ignoring Caprolactum, which is a semi-volatile compound that behaves differently than typical VOCs, there are essentially two limitations.

Limitation on AgBB #1

Only data from time points at or between 3 and 14 days are allowed.
The AgBB method normally measures emissions and determines compliance based on the 3 day and 28 day time points. However, the California methods determine compliance based on the 14 day time point. Typically, building material emissions decrease over time. Thus allowing more time before determining compliance can allow a product with emissions that are too high at day 14 to decrease and possibly be compliant by day 28. Therefore, AgBB compliance, which is based on the 28 day timepoint, is not sufficient to demonstrate compliance. AgBB test data from the 28 day timepoint cannot be used to determine compliance to the CA standards.

Limitation on AgBB #2

The emission concentrations in air that are used to determine compliance must be based on the exposure scenarios defined within the CDHS standard. These scenarios define the amount (surface area) of flooring that is present and the amount of "clean" ventilation air that is present. The 2004 CDHS version contains two exposure scenarios -- a school classroom and a private office. These two exposure scenarios remain unchanged for flooring in the 2010 CDPH version. The AgBB method uses a different exposure scenario for flooring, which directly affects the test results. If all else is held constant, reducing the amount of floor surface area will reduce the resulting emission concentrations. Similarly, if all else is held constant, reducing the amount of "clean" air flow ventilation will increase the resulting emission concentrations. Therefore it is important to correct for these variations before using the test results to compare to the emissions limits defined in the California standards used by this credit.

I hope this is helpful.