Tile has always been the natural choice for allergy sufferers, and TCNA is now proud to offer a way to validate this.  TCNA is pleased to announce it has begun the research for a hypoallergenicity standard to evaluate ceramic tile and installation products.

In accordance with TCNA’s commitment towards greener and healthier environments, TCNA Research Scientist, Dr. Jyothi Rangineni, is developing a protocol to test the hypoallergenic qualities of tile and installation products and to test if they induce allergenic reactions in people who use them.

TCNA’s goal in this research is a standard for certification which would allow a product to be marketed as hypoallergenic.  Two variations of ISO 10993-5:2009, which is the test standard for the hypoallergenicity evaluation of medical devices, are in development to evaluate for contact and inhaled allergens.

“This new standard will give our manufacturers a platform to evaluate and market their products competitively against other surfaces that have historically made such claims,” noted Dr. Rangineni.  This research is an extension of TCNA’s initiative to provide the industry with new testing services geared towards human health, safety, and the environment.

“We are all aware of the potential for allergic reactions from certain installation materials. This standard will provide manufacturers the means to evaluate the allergenicity of their products and with such information, the opportunity to develop less allergenic and potentially safer products for installers and the environment.” commented TCNA Executive Director, Eric Astrachan.