Vinyl Flooring Health Hazards
Fifty eight percent of vinyl flooring tiles tested contain phthalate plasticizers which are hazardous and are subject to a pending ban in the european union.
Vinyl flooring health hazards. Many consumers are opting for vinyl or linoleum flooring because they are durable versatile and economical options. 100 of vinyl flooring sold by lumber liquidators. Vinyl and linoleum flooring. In the limited study conducted over the past year we sought to determine whether any wood based flooring could pose a formaldehyde hazard and if so how much of a hazard.
Most vinyl flooring contains chemicals called phthalates many of which have been banned from children s products over concerns of negative health effects. The flooring giant lumber liquidators was accused of selling illegally sourced laminate wood with high levels of formaldehyde a known carcinogen. But they re believed to be toxic and have been linked to a laundry list of ailments. Researchers say vinyl flooring and sofas with flame retardants can present a health risk to children.
Vinyl floors last a long time especially durable vinyl floors with thick wear layers. Share on pinterest experts say linoleum is a safer alternative than vinyl flooring. This is true whether a large scale fire breaks out or just a small portion of the floor is burnt by accidentally dropping something. California is taking a.
Moreover almost all 89 percent of vinyl flooring samples tested contained organic tin based stabilizers. Phthalates are used to soften plastic and vinyl and make them more flexible. Formaldehyde is more common in laminate flooring where it s found in the adhesive and resin. Because of their durability vinyl flooring can last 2 3 times as long as similar resilient flooring products.
This means less flooring in landfills and ultimately lower impact on health and environmental concerns. This process can have major negative health effects over the long term. As well as potentially containing harmful contaminants recycled vinyl flooring breaks down sooner than 100 virgin vinyl and therefore needs replacing sooner. Most vinyl tile flooring samples tested contained one or more hazardous chemicals.