Understanding VOC Thresholds in Radiant Health Saunas

At Radiant Health, we take a precise approach to how we describe low VOC and no VOC materials. These terms can refer to either what’s in a material or what it emits over time, two different but related standards.

Content Standards (What’s in the Material)
France regulates VOCs in construction and interior products under the Émissions dans l’air intérieur labeling system. Materials used in finished products such as saunas are evaluated based on their potential to emit volatile organic compounds, including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and other regulated VOCs. Products that qualify for an A+ rating must be formulated and assembled using materials that do not contribute to elevated indoor air pollution when installed in enclosed living spaces.

Emission Standards (What the Finished Product Releases Over Time)
The French A+ label focuses on measured emissions, not just material composition. After 28 days of chamber testing under standardized indoor conditions, an A+-rated product must meet the most stringent emission limits defined by the French Ministry of Ecology. These thresholds apply to the entire assembled product, not individual components tested in isolation.

When Radiant Health references compliance with French A+ standards, it means the finished sauna meets or falls below these real-world emission limits under controlled testing conditions, reflecting what people actually breathe over time, even in warm, enclosed environments like saunas.