Featured artwork above shows that traditional, cement grout is a hazardous material because it is corrosive, poisonous and not environmentally friendly.

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Press Release – For Immediate Release

What’s Lurking in Your Grout?

Marietta, GA — April 27, 2023 — in the USA there is over 3 billion Square Feet of tile installed each year with grout that is always present and in-service next to the tile. With an average tile lifetime of 17 years that adds up to 51 Billion SF of tile. Why is this an important fact? 3B SF is equal to 568,181 miles of tile if placed next to each other and this is enough to wrap around the earth 22.8 times, so that is a lot of grout used in the USA.

Home renovations and installations often overlook a crucial, yet frequently underestimated, element: the tile and stone grout. Seemingly innocuous, this normally cement-based material may harbor hidden dangers due to additives intended to improve mold and mildew resistance. This press release sheds light on these concerns and presents a safer, healthier alternative.

Pesticides in Grout: What You Need to Know

When browsing grout options, you might come across terms like “Mold Protector Plus” or “Micro-Never.” These labels indicate that the grout contains pesticides, which could be harmful to both you and the environment. While some manufacturers may develop their own exclusive brands or trade names, the presence of such additives should raise concerns.

The Role of the EPA in Grout Additives

Grout additives are often registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for mold and mildew resistance. You may wonder why these EPA-registered additives are a cause for concern. The answer lies in the fact that just because a substance is registered for a specific use, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe or even necessary for your home.

Are the Additives in Grout Safe?

Many of the chemicals added to grout are biocides or toxins that have been rated as high-level carcinogens on a scale of 1 to 10. Some additives, like Silver Ion, are heavy metals that can have a detrimental impact on the environment. According to a 1997 white paper from the US Forestry Service, Silver poses a significant long-term threat to aquatic life and plants, making it a greater concern than other heavy metals like mercury or lead. It’s important to note as validation of this point that the worlds largest retailer has begun an initiative towards 100% Metal Free Antimicrobials on all consumer goods, they refer to them as MFA’s.

The Effectiveness of Grout Additives

It’s essential to question the actual effectiveness of grout additives in preventing mold and mildew growth. These chemicals must leach out of the grout to work, but the grout’s high pH (9) for the first two years can inhibit mold and mildew growth on its own. As a result, one must wonder if these additives are still present and effective by the time the grout becomes susceptible to mold and mildew growth.

Greenwashing in the Grout Industry

Many grout manufacturers claim their products are “green” or environmentally friendly, yet they still include biocides in their grout to make marketing claims. In reality, these additives might not provide any actual protection against mold and mildew and might not be desirable for your home or the environment.

The Impact on Your Home and the Environment

When choosing grout, it’s essential to consider both the environment and the health of those living in your home. Do you want your pets or young children exposed to metals or biocides? When labels mention mold or mildew protection, it’s time to seek better alternatives.

Litokol: A Healthier and Safer Grout Alternative

A 2016 European Union funded initiative and independently certified R&D project named Project ZERO (Zero Environmental Risks in Our buildings) has resulted in a generational advancement in safety. The results are the very first-time tile installation products have no risks to the installers, in transportation, on jobsites or homes, and no negative environmental risks normally associated with high performance installation products. All these products are now referred to as ZHERORisk Products® (an H added for Health)

Litokol, a company based in Rubiera, Italy, offers ZHERORisk a safer, cleaner, and greener solution for your tile and stone projects. Their grouts, like the Litokol Starlike EVO Grouts, do not contain biocides, as they believe they are unnecessary. These grouts are waterproof, impervious to water, and never need sealing, making them resistant to mold and mildew growth.

Why Choose Litokol?

Litokol Starlike EVO Grouts are pet-friendly, environmentally friendly, and free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They are available on Amazon, HomeDepot.com, Walmart.com, Lowes.com and in stores like Floor and Décor. By choosing Litokol Starlike Grouts, you are opting for a healthier and safer alternative for your home and the environment.

Make Informed Choices for Your Home

When selecting grout for your tile and stone installations, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential dangers lurking in the additives used by some manufacturers. Prioritize the health and safety of your family and the environment by seeking out alternatives like Litokol Starlike Grouts, which are free of harmful biocides and heavy metals.

Remember, if the grout label states “Protected by ________” or mentions mold and mildew resistance, it’s time to put that bag of potentially toxic grout down and opt for a safer choice. Choose Litokol Starlike Grouts for a cleaner, greener, and healthier home.

Join the Pesticide Free Grout Facebook Group

For More Information:

Curt Rapp
curt@thetiledoctor.com
The Tile Doctor, Founder
www.tiledoctor.com

TMP Inc.
1395 South Marietta Parkway SE
Bldg. 800, Suite 100
Marietta, GA. 30067

Tel: 770 447-0061
Toll Free: 877-TileDoc (845-3362)