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.
The short answer is, yes. Laminate flooring is toxic. Laminate flooring is made through wood bonding with adhesives that can be very toxic to humans and animals. It consists of a melamine resin formaldehyde, which is often close to the surface of the laminate.
Even though it's popular and easy to install, vinyl is probably the worst flooring choice in terms of health, sustainability and production. It is a non-renewable material made from petroleum-based chemicals.
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.
Laminate Flooring. Most (or probably all) laminate floors in North America are now low-VOC. Look for brands that have certifications, there are many, but GreenGuard Gold is the best certification for laminate.
Thanks to our in-house production, we can control and limit the emission of VOCs. Therefore, the formaldehyde emission of our laminate and wooden flooring is negligible and 10 times lower than the EU standards.
How Long Does Vinyl Floors Off Gas? Off gassing is usually extreme in the first 3 to 5 weeks after your vinyl flooring installation. However, factors like ventilation, where the installation is done, and the amount of chemicals emitted can affect how long the smell will last.
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 ...
Due to the materials used in the production process of vinyl, it will sometimes emit various levels of VOCs into the air for a short amount of time after installation. These toxic chemicals can be harmful to air quality of the immediate environment it's installed in and may cause respiratory problems over time.
Pergo is manufactured from composite wood pressed together at high temperatures while hardwood floors are made of harvested trees.
Generally speaking, floors with a nontoxic seal or finish have the lowest VOC levels. These include solid hardwood floors, polished concrete, and tile. Keep in mind that every flooring option comes with a lot of variety. Take the time to consider the different materials and finishes available to you.
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.
According to a recent report cited by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, “If the flooring was installed several years ago, the levels of formaldehyde may have returned to what is typically found in homes—so there may be no reason to remove it.” We looked at formaldehyde decay levels in a few samples over the ...
CDC/ATSDR found that exposure to formaldehyde in the CPSC-tested laminate flooring sold at Lumber Liquidators® could cause irritation and breathing problems.
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.
SmartCore Ultra and SmartCore Pro Are Both Low-VOC Certified
Reducing VOCs is a priority in the industry and it shows in newer products like low-VOC carpet and non-toxic laminate flooring. SmartCore Ultra and SmartCore Pro are no exception, and are Greenguard Certified as low-VOC options.
Home Depot says it will stop selling vinyl floor containing phthalates, a chemical banned from toys and other kids' products.
Formaldehyde is frequently used in the manufacture of laminate flooring, but usually in quantities so low that it dissipates quickly.
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.
It is very resilient and can last up to 30-40 years. Vinyl on the other hand is a petroleum-based synthetic product, made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin along with additives, such as plasticizers, stabilizers, pigments, and fillers.
The VOCs emanating from a product dissipate over time as the chemicals vaporize. VOCs from paint dissipate fairly quickly with most offgassing occuring during the first 6 months after application. Other sources, such as particle board may continue to offgas for 20 years or more.
Porcelain and Ceramics. Porcelain and ceramic are safe if lead-free and do not contain radioactive substances. It is also formaldehyde free.
Why sheet vinyl is the ideal hospital floor covering
Sheet vinyl is the ideal choice for most hygiene floors for a number of reasons: It is non porous so does no harbour dirt or germs. When fitted correctly it has no cracks or seems to catch dirt or germs.
Vinyl flooring contains several chemicals that can be toxic, including PVC, cadmium, and lead. Many of these substances are found in such small levels that it is unlikely to cause harm, but phthalates are used to make vinyl flooring and polyvinyl chloride, PVC.