makes sure to puck non-VOCs and iso-cyanine free glue. In addition, the EPA recommends improving ventilation, using a humidifier, and maintaining a moderate in-home temperature. On March 1, 2015, CBS News aired a 60 Minutes investigation into claims that Lumber Liquidators’ Chinese-made laminate flooring contains dangerous levels of formaldehyde. Since then I have been experiencing dizziness. However, in recent years manufacturers have responded to consumer demand and are offering laminate that is much more environmentally friendly. Pressed wood in general is a typical source of formaldehyde as it is present in the resin that locks together the wood fibers into the final sheets of wood. Because these chemical compounds have a very low boiling point, their molecules evaporate readily at normal room temperature. Log in. This floor material comes in planks, similar to hardwood. Formaldehyde in flooring concerns started with a 60-minute episode featuring a national flooring retailer accused of selling Chinese made laminate with high levels of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde-based glues typically come in one of two types: urea or phenol. Dangerous volatile organic compounds, aka VOCs, are not something you want in your home. An inhaus flooring lawsuit attorney can help people who purchased laminate flooring that may have been contaminated with dangerous levels of formaldehyde. We purchased 878 square feet of Laminate Flooring and it was installed the day before the news broke about the formaldehyde levels. How to correct outgassing of ormaldehyde from laminate flooring products: Five steps to correct unacceptable levels of formaldehyde gas traced to laminate flooring or similar floor covering products. 16 comments Carl and Debbie May 8, 2015 at 10:17 am Reply. The Palm flooring is 5/8″ thick and come in 3″ wide planks and random lengths. In Liquidators’ flooring, formaldehyde is found in the glue that holds the wood particles together in the core boards. As part of the investigation, more than 150 boxes of laminate flooring were tested in three certified labs. The FBI performed a thorough investigation and determined that the laminate flooring sold at the company came from China and contained elevated levels of formaldehyde. While most VOCs are harmless, there are some (such as formaldehyde) which can be hazardous to human health, especially for people with severe allergies and other respiratory problems. Alternatively, opt for floating laminate that doesn't require adhesive at all -- the interlocking planks simply "float" above the subfloor. Environmental and health care experts say emissions dissipate and ventilating the room helps lessen the effects of the chemical that's present in newly installed composite flooring. Composite wood flooring products like engineered hardwood, bamboo and laminate are made by fusing wood layers together with glues and resins. The list of household and personal care products that contain small amounts of formaldehyde is endless, and it can also be found in processed wood products, like furniture, siding, and flooring. Formaldehyde Class: Includes Class Members who purchased Chinese-made laminate flooring from Lumber Liquidators from Jan. 1, 2009 through Dec. 31, 2010. This dangerous chemical is linked to a host of health problems, including cancer. Formaldehyde is a compound chemical made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that is found literally everywhere, since it occurs naturally and is synthesized for industrial use in everyday products. Formaldehyde—a colorless gas—is commonly found in resins, or glues, that are used to bind wood chips or fibers into plywood, particleboard and other engineered or pressed wood products. What is Formaldehyde Formaldehyde is a colorless, putrid gas used in making building materials and other household products. Since the danger of formaldehyde in laminate flooring occurs when the chemical permeates the air and is inhaled, an air quality check should be performed by a trained professional. Formaldehyde is toxic when it comes to your overall health, so you have to be aware if your laminate toxic flooring levels are high. Shaw floors sandscapes 8 x 54 6mm laminate flooring in linen shaw floors sandscapes 8 x 54 6mm laminate flooring in linen lowe s style selections laminate flooring a review chinese laminate flooring cl action settlement top actions formaldehyde in the floor ask dr weil breathe easier about your flooring formaldehyde consumer reports. The flooring giant, Lumber Liquidators, was accused of selling illegally sourced laminate wood with high levels of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. A good choice for non-formaldehyde would be floating laminate flooring that won’t require any adhesive. Laminate flooring is one of many consumer products that contain formaldehyde. They specialize in solving and resolving laminate and other floor covering concerns. Desirable due to its attractive appearance, easy maintenance, and low price, laminate flooring nevertheless developed a poor reputation for green performance in the past. © Copyright 2020 Networx Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. However, each plank contains a core made out of high density fiberboard (manufactured from inexpensive woods), topped by a layer of paper which has been printed with a "photograph" that resembles maple, oak, cherry, and other kinds of hardwood. Laminate flooring has the handsome look of sought-after hardwood yet is much more affordable. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) tested formaldehyde levels released from specific types of laminate flooring made in China between 2012 and 2014 and sold at Lumber Liquidators® stores in the United States. Choose laminates printed with water-based ink, which contains low- to no-VOCs. The result of this report was that consumers became aware of products that are endangering our health and environment. Not necessarily because the amount of formaldehyde in the laminate flooring, if present, can vary due to how the flooring is made. Smith & Fong also has a line of bamboo that is formaldehyde free as well. Contact them directly if you have questions you'd like answered. The investigation was prompted by a March 2015 "60 Minutes" report that revealed the company's laminate flooring made in China had higher levels of formaldehyde gas than allowed by law. If you are visiting a flooring showroom, you can try the "smell test." Call us at (866) 441-6648, Get quotes from qualified local contractors. Flooring companies and regulatory agencies were forced to … Since the first airing and the following related reports, many homeowners have had concerns with formaldehyde in flooring, especially laminate flooring. This article discusses possible steps to remove formaldehyde gas and formaldehyde gas emitting laminated floor or other outgassing products in order to improve indoor air quality in homes. Your laminate flooring should not require harsh chemicals for either sealing or cleanup. Terry Weinheimer and Kevin Weinheimer are Oregon based, nationally known flooring consultants and inspectors. National and International Professional Organizations. Lumber Liquidators advised us to open the boxes to allow the product to breathe, to help acclimate to the environment. Shrinking Floating Floor Cause and Effect, Direct Pressure Laminate vs High Pressure Laminate, Crawl Space Requirements for Laminate Flooring. And they haven't sold that product since May 2015. A report linked Chinese-made laminate flooring to toxic levels of formaldehyde in hundreds of homes in the U.S. Investigate whether the manufacturer typically off-gasses its laminate flooring products at the factory, prior to shipping them to suppliers. Looking for a Pro? Purchasing this type of material will help protect your home's air quality. Find out how to purchase low- or no-VOC laminate flooring. Beware of flooring that contains high levels (more than .01 ppm) of urea formaldehyde, an inexpensive but toxic resin, which is often used as a binder. Formaldehyde-free flooring systems support good indoor air quality and can help avoid the health risks caused by harmful chemical contents of other flooring ingredients. Find out about maintenance as well. I have laminate floors installed in my home, which are easy to keep looking good with just a sponge mop and a small quantity of warm water (add a few drops of vinegar if desired). Laminate flooring has the handsome look of sought-after hardwood yet is much more affordable. Take a whiff of the floor material you are considering purchasing, to see whether it has a readily detectable chemical odor. Sourcing Guide for Formaldehyde Flooring: Explore the widest collection of home decoration and construction products on sale. Your email address will not be published. This floor material comes in planks, similar to hardwood. Recognized Certified Flooring Experts are available to investigate the cause of complaint. Pick the laminate printed with water-based ink and contains low on are non-VOCs. A home is more than just a house, and decor is more than just furnishings. Create a Master Bedroom Retreat with 8 Simple Twea... Make Your Home The Perfect Winter Gathering Place, Browse the websites of various reputable flooring manufacturers to check out the green scorecard of their products. Lumber Liquidators plunged more than 20% in early morning stock trading on Monday. Formaldehyde is normally present at low levels, usually less than 0.03 parts per million (ppm), in both outdoor and indoor air. Latest posts by Terry Weinheimer | Kevin Weinheimer. Try to get definite facts and figures rather than vague descriptions of their products as "environmentally sound. The manager said the only product with formaldehyde issues is the laminate flooring, not my purchase of the wood. Formaldehyde. Look for one of the following designations to minimize off-gassing of formaldehyde into the air of your home: NAF (indicates no added formaldehyde), NAUF (no added urea formaldehyde), or ULEF (ultra low-emitting formaldehyde). No waxing or other treatment is necessary. Awareness of VOCs within the home improvement industry is growing, and consumers are increasingly selecting materials with low VOCs. Durability Class: Includes Class Members who purchased Chinese-made laminate flooring from Lumber Liquidators from Jan. 1, 2011 through May 31, 2015. ", See what reliable investigative sources, such as. Laminate flooring has had a bad rep for VOC emissions in the past but that's changing now. Below is a list of laminate flooring without formaldehyde. List of Lumber Liquidators Laminate Flooring Products Containing Elevated Levels of Formaldehyde March 6, 2015 at 12:52 PM Public The purpose of this document is to make a public repository of Lumber Liquidators laminate flooring products that have been tested and shown to contain elevated levels of formaldehyde. Home decoration is an art and reveals a lot about the choices and preferences of individuals. The resulting vapor mingles with your indoor air. Notably, it tended to give off toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds) due to chemical components of the fiberboard, the printing ink, or the adhesive used for installation. But, these glues are often made with formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen and serious home air pollutant. Laminate flooring can be toxic if the wood-bonding adhesive and top layer contain and emit harsh chemicals like formaldehyde. Vinyl and Linoleum Flooring Many consumers are opting for vinyl or linoleum flooring because they are … The glue used for your laminate flooring installation should also be low in VOCs and isocyanine-free. The glues and resins used in laminate flooring to press the wood together and glue each layer will often contain formaldehyde. You can often detect formaldehyde by its smell, and a high concentrations of it can irritate your eyes, nose and lungs. Gas used in making building materials and other floor covering concerns have had concerns with formaldehyde in hundreds of in. And emit harsh chemicals for either sealing or cleanup this report was that consumers aware. If you have questions you 'd like answered this report was that consumers became of. Will often contain formaldehyde © Copyright 2020 Networx systems, Inc. all Rights Reserved by harmful chemical of. 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