We have been asked to use a commercial air freshener which diffuses aromatic oils to create a 'nice smell' in our LEED EBOM Platinum Building. After reviewing the MSDS and researching the topic, we are certain that it will release toxic VOCs as well as impact building users health and comfort so we need to propose a better solution. Are there any non-toxic ways for us to create a 'nice smell' in our building? Are there any air fresheners that are non-toxic or other solutions? What do other LEED platinum buildings do? Finally how does using toxic air fresheners impact our LEED certification? Thanks very much for any insights you have.
You rely on LEEDuser. Can we rely on you?
LEEDuser is supported by our premium members, not by advertisers.
Go premium for
Alexis Voeltner
Sustainability Project ManagerUL Solutions
LEEDuser Expert
11 thumbs up
May 12, 2017 - 11:57 am
We have measured VOC content, with speciation, in buildings which were retrofitted with aromatic oils. Depending on the dose, levels stay below the 500 ug/m guideline used for most VOC applications, with most of the compounds being limonene or terpenes. These are generally considered relatively benign compounds; we did not find toxins and carcinogens in significant levels. It is possible to dose up the space with levels that breach the 500 ug/m3 guidelines, by which time the “scent” becomes rather pronounced, perhaps to the point where “odor” would be a better term. All in all, if proper doses are used so as to create a faint scent, VOCs are likely to remain tolerable for most healthy individuals. With that said, using scents in work places, where employees are obliged to visit, brings up a raft of social and legal issues not present in hospitality locations (like casinos) where people can choose to visit only if they so wish.