Vinyl Flooring Health Issues

Moreover almost all 89 percent of vinyl flooring samples tested contained organic tin based stabilizers.

Vinyl flooring health issues. Homeowners can avoid problems with vinyl flooring by following the manufacturer s recommendations for cleaning and caring for the floor. Vinyl and linoleum are sometimes used interchangeably but they are very different types of flooring. Some vinyl is hard but most flooring vinyl is relatively soft and yielding. It was easier to maintain and also had more versatility of design then not as much now but the big one was obviously the price especially in the post war housing boom.

The flooring material holds up well with regular maintenance and care but problems can occur with the material due to improper installation or care. Formaldehyde levels were excessive and caused health issues and. Most vinyl flooring contains chemicals called phthalates many of which have been banned from children s products over concerns of negative health effects. Linoleum flooring is made from all natural and biodegradable materials including linseed oil cork.

Vinyl flooring is concerning because it is made up of processed material and. It s commonly assumed that using recycled content in your luxury vinyl flooring is more sustainable and environmentally friendly than using 100 virgin vinyl. But they re believed to be toxic and have been linked to a laundry list of ailments. Vinyl flooring is an economical choice for many homeowners.

These are toxic substances and they have been linked to reproductive and respiratory health problems in people who have prolonged exposure. To avoid these types problems it s a great idea to ask your manufacturer about the health impact of their flooring. Vinyl and linoleum flooring. Share on pinterest experts say linoleum is a safer alternative than vinyl flooring.

Many consumers are opting for vinyl or linoleum flooring because they are durable versatile and economical options. Vinyl hit in the early to mid 20th century and it overtook linoleum for a few main reasons one is that vinyl was fire retardant. Scratches were impossible to remove. This characteristic is achieved by the addition of phthalates to the material mix when the pvc is being manufactured.

Linoleum is still around but i believe only three companies still make what we would have. Phthalates are used to soften plastic and vinyl and make them more flexible. Most vinyl tile flooring samples tested contained one or more hazardous chemicals. There is a new trend away from laminates towards a flooring called luxury vinyl tile flooring lvt.

Socioeconomic issues and environmental toxins are very important in our country today from a health standpoint.