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.
So is vinyl flooring toxic? Toxicity levels of vinyl flooring were once a major concern dating back to the study discussed above which was conducted in 2015. It's now 2022 and most floor manufacturers have eliminated the use of this chemical and now provide 'phthalates-free' vinyl flooring.
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.
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.
Why Are Vinyl Records Toxic? Vinyl records are made from polyvinyl chloride, commonly referred to as PVC. PVC is partially derived from fossil fuels and contains chemical additives that are dangerous to humans. The highest exposure risk is created during the manufacturing process.
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.
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.
Formaldehyde can also be found in the emissions from vinyl flooring adhesive and the base layer of many laminate flooring types.
Con: LVP May Dent
Luxury vinyl flooring can dent and even scratch or scuff, especially from heavy appliances, furniture, or other weighty objects. Just because it's resistant to something doesn't mean it's impervious to it. However, do know that LVP resists scratches better than real hardwood.
If you're installing flooring in your bathroom, kitchen, or mudroom, vinyl sheet is a much safer option than linoleum. Linoleum, which is comprised of cork and wood materials, is highly susceptible to water damage. On the other hand, Vinyl sheet flooring thrives in high-moisture areas.
Some phthalates are even known to be cancer-causing. Luxury vinyl flooring is known to emit these toxins. When it comes to smaller, less-ventilated areas of your home, the buildup of phthalates will be more severe due to the size of the space and the lack of ventilation.
Vinyl chloride can irritate the eyes, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract. Escaping compressed gas or liquid can cause frostbite or irritation of the skin and eyes. Chronic exposure can cause permanent liver injury and liver cancer, neurologic or behavioral symptoms, and changes to the skin and bones of the hand.
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.
Vinyl plank and luxury vinyl plank/tile are extremely low in VOCs and offgassing but they do have the problem of semi-VOCs – the plasticizers. Most of it is phthalate-free now – though phthalates were replaced with alternate plasticizers.
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.
Carpet will attract, trap, and hold everything from dust mites to pet dander and urine. Carets hide germs in plain sight. If creating a healthy and hypoallergenic home for you family is important to you, then vinyl plank flooring is your best flooring option.
While luxury vinyl flooring has come a long way from its creation and has increased in durability and visual appeal, unfortunately vinyl may decrease your resale value in the long run. It's important to recognize that while you may spend less on vinyl vs.
Vinyl flooring is less expensive than hardwood, easier to clean and more resistant to staining, warping, and discoloration. Because it is a synthetic product, it is available in a wider variety of finishes and styles.
Exposure to formaldehyde from laminate flooring in the home may cause irritation, cough, or shortness of breath, especially in children and people with asthma or other respiratory problems. Medical therapy should aim to alleviate symptoms and recommend actions to decrease further exposure.
Although levels of formaldehyde emissions from products like laminate flooring decrease over time, significant off-gassing may continue for months and even years. Significant off-gassing from laminate flooring can continue for months and even years.
We all know that vinyl is one of the best faux wood flooring options around thanks to its incredible durability and gorgeous visuals. But it's true—vinyl flooring can also contain harmful VOCs and other chemicals. The good news: low-VOC vinyl flooring has come a long way in recent years.
Hard-surface flooring materials that are non-absorptive, chemical resistant, and monolithic, such as resinous flooring, are the most hygienic flooring options. Resinous flooring consists of a solid and impermeable surface.
Ceramic, Porcelain & Glass Tile
Tile is a safe, non-toxic flooring option that is easy to maintain. Ceramic, porcelain and glass tiles are all durable options for solid-surface flooring and are a great option for rooms with moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens.
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.