All Newton products are FloorScore-certified as either low-VOC or zero-VOC (even their waterproof laminate flooring, which is gorgeous), and their vinyl is no different. It's also phthalate-free, for those wondering.
Nowadays, thanks to an increase in safety regulations and technological advancements, most vinyl manufacturers have employed techniques to produce LVP with very low VOCs and the majority of it is NOW phthalate-free!
Specifically, vinyl plank and luxury vinyl plank or luxury vinyl tile flooring are low in VOCs and at low risk for off-gassing. Rolled vinyl flooring is typically higher in off-gassing risk levels.
Healthier flooring options include solid wood, natural linoleum, cork, bamboo, tile and stone. A key feature of all of these is that they are easily cleaned of dust and dirt.
Yes, vinyl records are safe to use. The toxins found in PVC are primarily harmful in large amounts. Minimal exposure will not cause major health concerns. Those most at risk to chemical hazards of vinyl records are the workers at the manufacturing plants.
Vinyl is inexpensive, long-lasting flooring. But it often contains phthalates, chemicals that have raised safety concerns for young children. Consumer Reports tested to see how much of the phthalates escape into the environment.
In reality, the off-gassing should be the strongest during the first two weeks and continue to off-gas for up to months after it is placed into your home.
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.
When it comes to environmental impact, laminate has a slight edge over vinyl thanks to its recycled wood core. However, the melamine wear layer on the surface is still made of plastic, which may off-gas VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can be harmful to people and pets.
Not environmentally friendly
Off-gassed VOCs can adversely affect health and an indoor environment, particularly without windows or ventilation, will lead to higher concentrations. If this is a concern for you, we recommend avoiding high-VOC vinyl flooring and choosing a low-VOC floor instead.
Vinyl flooring can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Why is vinyl flooring hazardous? A recent study found that most vinyl flooring, made from reprocessed plastic, contained toxic phthalates, lead, cadmium, brominated flame retardants, and other toxic chemicals.
The good news: low-VOC vinyl flooring has come a long way in recent years. These days, if you know what to look for, it's totally possible to find vinyl plank, LVT, and vinyl sheet that do right by your home and your health.
Can vinyl chloride cause cancer? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has classified vinyl chloride as known to be a human carcinogen (cause cancer). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified vinyl chloride as a known human carcinogen by the inhalation route of exposure.
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. When it comes to our vinyl flooring, there is no formaldehyde detected.
Keep in mind the term “vinyl” may also be used to describe ethylene vinyl Acetate (EVA) and polyethylene Vinyl Acetate (PEVA). Both of these plastics are non-chlorinated and are considered to be a safer alternative to PVC and are acceptable choices. So when in doubt about the use of the term vinyl, ask if it's PVC.
Breathing high levels of vinyl chloride can make you dizzy or sleepy, or have a headache. If you do not get fresh air, you may pass out. You can die from breathing extremely high levels of vinyl chloride. People who breathe vinyl chloride gas over many years may have liver damage.
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.
If you have vinyl flooring, consider using an air purifier designed to remove VOCs like phthalates from your indoor air so you can breathe easier. Dust and vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter vacuum.
By producing your floor as much as possible in-house we know exactly which materials are used and can easily keep control. That is why the VOC emission of your vinyl floor is lower than the European norm, resulting in an A+ rating and M1 label for very low emissions.
When vinyl fumes are overpowering you with pungent odors that can last for days, just take the source outside and lay it out in the warm sunshine. Turn the offending item over every few hours, and the smell that would have lasted days will be gone in less than 24 hours.
Linoleum is made from natural, water-resistant materials that can last for decades with proper maintenance. Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is made from synthetic waterproof materials, making it a better choice for kitchen and bath installations.