Wall surfaces shall be easily cleanable and provide protection at points where contact with movable equipment is likely to occur. Surfaces shall be free of substances known to be teratogenic, mutagenic, carcinogenic, or otherwise harmful to human health.

Interpretation: As with floors, the ease of cleaning, durability, and acoustical properties of wall surfaces must be considered. Although commonly used, many vinyl wall coverings contain PVC and will degrade indoor air quality, and thus should be avoided. VOCs and PBTs such as cadmium often are found in paints, wall-coverings, acoustical wall panels, and wood paneling systems and also should be avoided. Specify low- or no-VOC paints and coatings.