An IAQ "association for the new millennium" or a candle and fragrance division that focuses on air quality? Attendees of a news conference last month in Washington, D.C., for the Chemical Specialties Manufacturers Association's (CSMA) new Air Care Division weren't given all the behind-the-scene details.

CSMA has launched its seventh division to address safety issues, standardization of testing methods and support for new technology and sensory education. "This is the association for the new millennium" Chris Cathcart, president and COO, told attendees. "No organization is equipped to handle these [air care] issues better than CSMA."

With the growth of the air care industry, CSMA believes their role is to educate consumers, legislators, regulatory agencies and industry about the safety and quality of air care products.

Cathcart added that, "Through the Air Care Division, CSMA will leverage the proven skills and experience of its talented staff to grow the entire market by taking an active role in scientific, regulatory and safety matters. We hope to help the industry exceed consumer expectations for product performance, safety and value."

The only issue that's clear right now is that candles will be the Air Care Division's first priority. Interestingly, Allan Streit, director of technical sales for Shaw Mudge & Co in Shelton, Conn., a fragrance manufacturer for the candle industry, will be the Air Care Division's first chairman. Although he was touted in press materials as attending "the event to discuss the increasing importance of air care due to the construction of increasingly air tight buildings and the tendency for Americans nowadays to spend an average of 90% of their time indoors," Streit's presentation was short on IAQ specifics.

But there's still questions whether CSMA will foray into uncharted IAQ product territory or just focus on the products their current members already produce. In fact, the division's new brochure states the air care products will include: rug and room deodorizers, room sprays, plug-in room fresheners, candles, potpourri, fabric fresheners and air filtration system cleaners. Candle manufacturers would be one of the only new groups to be solicited.

In a exclusive meeting with CSMA representatives in this summer, IE Connections was told that the division was looking to attract manufacturers of air filters, UV devices, air cleaners, humidifiers, among other products.

John DiFazio, senior legal counsel for CSMA and senior staffer for the new Air Care Division, told IE Connections that the group is looking to eventually "take a leadership role in IAQ product manufacturing. Right now, we're trying to fill a need among our current membership... they want representation on IAQ issues." DiFazio added that there were also 3 to 4 prospective members at the news conference.

George Benda, CEO of Chelsea Group Ltd. and a member of the new division, told IE Connections that there are tremendous benefits for the IAQ industry. "We're at the table because IAQ cuts across many different industries [such as HVAC, flooring, food and furnishings]," he said. "We're well positioned to help these businesses interact with each other."

The Air Care Division has the ability to contribute a lot to this industry, especially to the manufacturers, according to Robert Baker, CEO of BBJ Environmental Solutions and chairman of CSMA's IEQ Committee. "CSMA can be a focal point to other associations and society on these IAQ issues," he told IE Connections. "They [CSMA] can get a lot of resources, but we need the combined power of the companies."

Current members of CSMA that have joined the Air Care Division include: 3M, Bath & Body Works, BBJ Environmental Solutions, Chelsea Group Ltd., The Clorox Co., The Dial Corp., Ecolab Inc., Global Household Products, Procter & Gamble Co., S.C. Johnson & Son Inc. and Sherwin Willams Consumer Group.

For more than 85 years, CSMA has been providing service and support to other complementary divisions, including aerosols, antimicrobials, detergents, and industrial and automotive products.