UL, AQS Aid Compliance with California's Ozone-Limiting Reg
Underwriters Laboratories announced that it will partner with Marietta, Ga.-based Air Quality Sciences Inc. to test and certify indoor air devices against an improved UL 867 ozone emission standard. UL said the partnership is designed to respond to manufacturers who must comply with a new regulation adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) 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 the state. UL, a provider of product safety testing and certification services, refined its UL 867 test method for ozone to ensure the accuracy and repeatability of the test. To demonstrate compliance with the CARB regulation that is expected to become effective in October 2008, 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 CARB is finalizing its regulation, any testing done today at UL can be used to demonstrate compliance to the upcoming effective date, UL said.
"We have seen too many businesses misleading consumers on the safety and efficiency of their indoor air cleaners," said CARB Chairman Mary Nichols. "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."
Between 60 and 80 consumer appliance manufacturers of indoor air products are expected to be affected by the new CARB 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 CARB requirements, UL said. "The combination of unmatched service quality and reputation plus state-of-the-art test facilities achieved through our partnership with AQS will enable indoor air product manufacturers to comply with the new CARB regulations within the required timeframe," said Robert Simmons, UL's vice president of Consumer Sector - North America.
Dr. Marilyn Black, chairman and chief scientist of AQS, said the UL/AQS partnership, formed specifically to address 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." She added, "With our science-driven approach, we are dedicated to ensuring that indoor air quality is a priority in providing healthier environments."
For more information on CARB's indoor air cleaner regulation, visit: www.arb.ca.gov/research/indoor/aircleaners/aircleaners.htm.