Sound-Absorbing Acoustical Ceilings & Treatments Product Guidance

Use the red-to-green product guidance below to select safer product types by avoiding those in red and preferring yellow and green, which are safer for occupants, fenceline communities, and workers.

Acoustic materials can be complex assemblies with many different components, facings, and finishes. Given the wide range of options and combinations, the red-to-green guidance focuses specifically on materials that absorb sound. Use the color-rankings below to choose a sound-absorbing material that is ranked yellow or green. Then use the bullet point guidance to consider additional materials that may be used with the absorber.

When choosing acoustical ceilings and treatments:

• Prefer acoustical absorbing materials based on biological materials or minerals. Good options include sheep’s wool, cementitious wood fiber, and certain fiberglass and mineral fiber.
• Avoid formaldehyde-based binders in fiberglass and mineral fiber products.
• Prefer mechanical installation over adhesives.
• Avoid added antimicrobial treatments.
• For decorative facings or additional components:
  • In general, avoid using additional materials that aren't necessary to achieve the desired acoustic performance.
  • When a facing is needed, prefer biological materials like solid wood, wood veneer, or sheep's wool.
  • Avoid plastic film and plastic fabric.
  • Metals and composite wood materials can be preferable to plastic materials but still have hazardous life cycle chemical impacts. If using metal panels, avoid epoxy and PFAS coatings. If using composite wood panels, prefer no added formaldehyde (NAF) cores and solid wood veneer facing, and avoid flame retardant cores if not required.
• Avoid PVC (vinyl) components such as facers, fabrics, or tracks.
• If using a fabric, avoid antimicrobial treatments, stain-repellent treatments, and toxic flame retardants.