Indoor air quality and fire retardant coatings: safety and healthy living

In modern construction, where sustainability meets functionality, indoor air safety stands as a cornerstone of quality and health. For architects, contractors, and manufacturers committed to creating safer, greener spaces, the role of fire retardant coatings in maintaining superior indoor air quality are indispensable. At Teknos, we pride ourselves on delivering solutions that provide fire protection while meeting the highest standards of environmental responsibility, including certifications for LEED and BREEAM projects.

We spend 90 % of our time indoors

Today, buildings serve as more than shelters; they are spaces for work, learning, and living. According to the European Ventilation Industry Association (EVIA)*, Europeans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, where pollutant levels can be two to five times higher than those found outside. However, poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory problems, fatigue, and other health concerns. Add to this the challenges posed by fire safety, and the need for innovative, low-emission solutions becomes critical.

“Indoor air quality is no longer a secondary consideration. It’s a fundamental aspect of building design,” emphasizes Preben Hansen, Teknos' Head of Business Development for Exterior. “Clients today demand solutions that don’t compromise health or sustainability, and that’s where Teknos leads the way.”

Safeguarding health and safety

Our fire retardant coatings are tested for low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, ensuring a healthier indoor environment. The products meet the highest international standards, these coatings are ideal for green certifications like LEED and BREEAM, making them a go-to choice for sustainable construction.

Certifications recognized in Indoor Air Quality:

• A+: Recognized for extremely low VOC emissions, ensuring healthier indoor spaces.
• M1: Meets Finland's strictest standards for clean indoor air.
• AgBB: Approved under one of Europe’s most stringent frameworks for building materials.
• Eurofins Gold Standard: Global recognition of superior indoor air safety performance.

“With these certifications, our coatings stand as a testament to innovation and responsibility,” says Preben adds. “It’s about offering solutions that protect not just the building but the people inside it.”

Functional and aesthetic solutions: Oslo Airport’s arrivals hall

We partnered with Moelven Wood Prosjekt and Trysil Interiørtre to deliver fire-retardant solutions for the new arrivals hall at Oslo Airport. This state-of-the-art building features a striking 4,500 square meter spruce wood ceiling, treated with Teknos’ TEKNOSAFE 2467-00 fire retardant coating.

How our solutions made a difference:

• Fire Safety Compliance: Achieved fire classification B-s1, d0, ensuring safety for the 24 million annual passengers.
• Aesthetic Excellence: The clear coating preserved the natural beauty of the wood while meeting stringent fire safety standards.
• Durability: Waterborne and low-VOC coatings supported both responsibility goals and long-lasting performance.

“Oslo Airport’s arrivals hall is a prime example of how functionality and aesthetics can coexist,” says Arve Valsø, Technical Manager, Teknos. “With modern fire retardant coatings, wood can be safely and beautifully integrated into even the most demanding public spaces.”

Where fire safety meets responsibility

Fire retardant coatings often pose a trade-off: effectiveness versus environmental impact. At Teknos, we reject this compromise. Our solutions protect wood structures by forming an insulating char layer during a fire, slowing flame spread while ensuring emissions remain well below permissible levels.

• Water-based, low-VOC solutions: Delivering fire resistance without harmful chemical by-products.
• Durability that lasts: Extending the life of wood materials by protecting them from wear and tear.

No compromises in design

Architects today demand materials that integrate seamlessly into their vision without compromising safety or health. Our coatings meet these expectations, combining aesthetics, functionality, and safety.

*Photos by Froslev, designer of the acoustic panels.