8. Lumber Liquidators® is providing test kits for formaldehyde in indoor air to customers who purchased their laminate flooring.
The following types of Lumber Liquidators lumber may contain excessive and illegal amounts of formaldehyde: 8 mm Bristol County Cherry Laminate Flooring. 8 mm Dream Home Nirvana French Oak Laminate Flooring. 12 mm Dream Home Kensington Manor Antique Bamboo Laminate Flooring.
Porcelain and Ceramics. Porcelain and ceramic are safe if lead-free and do not contain radioactive substances. It is also formaldehyde free.
CDC/ATSDR found that exposure to formaldehyde in the CPSC-tested laminate flooring sold at Lumber Liquidators® could cause irritation and breathing problems. However, you can take steps to reduce formaldehyde levels in your home.
Reports also indicate that Lumber Liquidators flooring contains significantly high levels of the carcinogen, formaldehyde.
Lumber Liquidators shares were slammed in March 2015 after a “60 Minutes” report alleged that Chinese-made laminate flooring from Lumber Liquidators installed in many American homes contained far higher than accepted levels of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
According to Home Depot, “Laminate flooring at The Home Depot is verified by either GREENGUARD® Gold or FloorScore® certification to contain 0.0073 ppm or less of formaldehyde, which is a stricter standard than CARB 2 of 0.05 ppm.”
Laminate flooring is made using adhesives and that is why it releases formaldehyde gas, which could be toxic to you, kids, and even pets. Most laminate products off-gas for about 10 years but some brands have a very low level of the toxic gas that is considered safe for flooring.
Solid hardwood flooring is considered the safest and least toxic option as it's completely natural and free from any toxins. Solid hardwood floors are made of planks milled from a single piece of timber.
Formaldehyde is more common in laminate flooring, where it's found in the adhesive and resin. However, formaldehyde is also a concern in vinyl flooring, although its levels tend to be lower than in laminate flooring.
A recent study from HealthyStuff.org, a research group affiliated with the Ecology Center, found that the majority of vinyl flooring tiles sold at major retailers, including Lowe's, contain toxic phthalates, which are commonly found in flooring at levels exceeding U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission children's ...
The prefinished solid-wood flooring we tested had consistently lower formaldehyde emissions—near or lower than what we think it should be—than the engineered wood and laminate. It's likely that the glues and resins those products are made with emit formaldehyde.
Most laminate products let off formaldehyde gas for about ten years, but some makes may have a low-level of toxicity that is considered safest for at-home flooring.
When formaldehyde is present in the air at levels exceeding 0.1 ppm, some individuals may experience adverse effects such as watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; wheezing; nausea; and skin irritation.
Phthalates are known toxins, exposing both humans and pets to the risk of asthma, cancer, kidney, lung, and even reproductive health problems. Thus, Vinyl plank flooring is toxic and easily contaminates indoor air, water, and surfaces.
Vinyl flooring is highly durable. If installed and maintained correctly, it can last upwards of 10-20 years. That said, vinyl is a great choice for the rooms in your house that get the most foot traffic. Additionally, most vinyl flooring has a wear layer on its surface that resists scratches and stains.
Vinyl has a longer lifespan and better overall durability than laminate. Don't forget to factor in your budget, however. Vinyl flooring may be more expensive than laminate flooring, especially if you choose luxury vinyl flooring.
Laminate flooring also wins out over vinyl when it comes to environmental sustainability. Vinyl is produced using petroleum, which isn't a renewable resource. Its production generates toxic chemicals.
These days, Pergo is owned by Mohawk and, as you might imagine, they also make non-toxic laminate flooring. Pergo's laminate, on the other hand, is certified as low-VOC with a Nordic EcoLabel, which is similar to FloorScore and GreenGuard certification.
To wrap it up, you have to know that vinyl plank floors are not that toxic not unless you get a heavy expose. Also, most companies today choose to make vinyl planks that are not toxic elements or free of phthalates. So, don't worry about buying them because they will be safe to use.
FSC CERTIFIED PLYWOOD. Okay. The first item one our list of non toxic materials is FSC certified plywood. I looked it up online and Home Depot has Columbia Forest Products plywood.
MDF - Formaldehyde-free - Wall Paneling - Boards, Planks & Panels - The Home Depot.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors typically have more VOCs than other floorings due to the adhesives in the process. They are the worst option for a healthy home.