According to AHERA, when is color used to indicate a separate homogeneous material for floor tile?

• A. Color Is Never Used
• B. Color Indicates a Separately Manufactured Material If Added During Manufacturing
• C. Color Indicates a Material If Painted On
• D. Color Is the Only Factor in Determining Homogeneity

Answer: (B)

In AHERA, color is used as a signal that a floor tile is a separate homogeneous material only when the color was added during the manufacturing of the tile. That means the color is an integral part of the product and helps distinguish one homogeneous material from another. If the color is painted on after manufacture, it does not indicate a separate material, so you can’t rely on color alone to determine homogeneity. Also, color isn’t the only factor—you’d confirm material differences through manufacturing history and, if needed, sampling.