LCA & material health results & interpretation Aquia® Dual-Max® Toilet MS654114MF & CST412MF
Assessment scope and results
Declare™
Inventory threshold: 100 ppm
Declare level:
The Declare product database and label are used to select products that meet the LBC's stringent materials requirements, streamlining the materials specification and certification process.
Aquia® One-Piece Dual Flush Toilet |
Aquia® Two-Piece Dual Flush Toilet |
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Evaluation program
Declare
Declare labels are issued to products disclosing ingredient inventory, sourcing and end of life options. Declare labels are based on the Manufacturers Guide to Declare, administered by the International Living Future Institute.
How it works
Material ingredients are inventoried and screened against the Living Building Challenge (LBC) Red List which represents the ‘worst in class’ materials, chemicals, and elements known to pose serious risks to human health and the greater ecosystem.
The Declare product database and label are used to select products that meet the Living Building Challenge's stringent materials requirements, streamlining the materials specification and certification process.
How this rating was achieved
Declare level
'Declared' is awarded to products when all the ingredients name and CAS numbers have been disclosed. 100% disclosure qualifies the product for the LEED v4 building product disclosure and optimization - material ingredients credit option 1.
What's in the product and why
The one-piece version of the Aquia is manufactured in the United States. Manufacturing in the US means that robust human labor, safety and environmental rules and regulations were followed. Local sourcing of raw materials means that less smog and air pollution are generated as a result of transport. The ceramic body and glaze makes up ~88-93% of the total mass of the toilet. Therefore, manufacturing and transportation of the ceramic create the greatest human health impacts when compared to the overall manufacture of the entire toilet. By specifying an Aquia toilet manufactured in the United States, the consumer helps mitigate these human health impacts.
Red List materials
The push button is plated with chrome (Hexavalent Chromium VI). Chromium material is used as a decorative finish in applications where corrosion-resistance and durability are required. During the chrome plating process health hazards have been identified and are managed according the OHSA Guidelines. Process controls are used to protect the environment and the production workers wear personal protection equipment. After the plating process the chrome surface is inert and does not pose any health risks.The push button in the final form does not represent any hazards to the user. TOTO continues to investigate alternative finishes in order to reduce and/or eliminate Chromium VI on the toilet push buttons and trip levers.
The Aquia uses parts containing PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), a plastic commonly used within the plumbing industry. The primary health concern is during the production process when the raw material components are in a powder or pelletized form. If inhaled or ingested the results can be toxic and potentially carcinogenic. In the final form, materials are inert and not a hazard to the users of the toilet.
As part of TOTO’s efforts to reduce health impacts, alternative options for Dual-Max® toilets that do not utilize PVC are available. Contact us. While there are no legislative or regulatory mandates to remove this material from a product, as part of our goal to mitigate adverse health impacts, TOTO has moved beyond compliance by voluntarily eliminating this compound.
Where it goes at the end of its life
TOTO encourages consumers to recycle their used toilet and toilet parts. Contact your local municipality for recycling programs.
How we're making it healthier
Goals and plans for improvement:
- Utilize alternative materials to PVC, removing this compound from tank parts in all TOTO models.
- With no compromise to beauty, functionality or durability, TOTO intends to offer alternative finishes for trip levers that do not require Chromium VI.
References
Declare
TOTO USA, Declare label for Aquia Dual-Max Toilet MS654114MF
TOTO USA, Declare label for Aquia Dual-Max Toilet CST412MF
Manufacturer's Guide to Declare
A comprehensive guide providing information about the program, the assessment methodology, how to submit material data to obtain a Declare label and how they are used to meet the Health & Happiness and Materials Petals of the Living Building Challenge.