Title: Anti-Microbial and Anti-Particulate Ceiling Tiles Intent: Improve indoor air quality by specifying ceiling systems that do not support either microbial growth or airborne particulate matter. Requirements: For all zones of the building that require a dropped ceiling, specify a system that contains no man-made mineral fibers, does not support the growth of mold, mildew, fungus or other microorganisms, AND that does not contribute to airborne particulate matter. Submittals: Provide a Cutsheet and MSDS or other supporting documentation of the ceiling system product. Highlight the appropriate information: material contents, resistance to microbial growth, and resistance to the production of particulate matter. Provide a reflected ceiling plan illustrating that the building contains either no ceiling tile OR a combination of ceiling tile with no man-made mineral fiber and exposed ceiling structure. Design Approach: OSHA and the World Health Organisation, among other respected organisations, have begun warning that Man-Made Mineral Fiber ceiling tiles contribute to indoor air pollution by allowing microbial growth and contributing to the amount of airborne particulate matter in conditioned spaces. These studies link microbial growth to respiratory illness and particulate matter to lung cancer. In an effort to improve on the IAQ provided by no-VOC finishes, our design for the American Heart Association office building minimized the use of dropped ceilings throughout the building. In spaces, such as conference rooms, where acoustical ceiling tile was required, we specified Eurostone, an acoustical tile made from expanded volcanic perlite. This material resists microbial growth and does not produce airborne particulate matter.
For areas with dropped ceilings, the project has specified the use of ceiling tiles that will not promote microbial growth, nor produce airborne particulate matter. This represents good building practice but the use of these ceiling tiles, in conjunction with the strategy of minimizing dropped ceilings, does not warrant an innovation credit. The prevention of indoor air pollution is addressed in the LEED rating system in multiple credits in the Indoor Environmental Quality section. An innovation credit proposal on this topic must demonstrate additional and significant benefits achieved through a comprehensive approach. In the proposed strategy, there is no mention of other materials and systems. If the project team can demonstrate that a comprehensive approach was taken to the selection of all materials and systems that will potentially promote microbial growth or contribute to the amount of airborne particulate matter, it would be appropriate to pursue an innovation credit for a whole-building approach. Applicable internationally.