Formaldehyde in Laminate Flooring
Formaldehyde in flooring has been a major concern for many homeowners and retailers. While it has long been a problem, the severity was highlighted in past years by an episode of the 60 Minutes television program.
The episode featured a national flooring retailer accused of selling Chinese-made laminate with high levels of formaldehyde. Since the first airing and the following related reports, many in the industry and homeowners have had concerns with the high levels of formaldehyde in flooring – especially laminate flooring.
The Formaldehyde Flooring Alarm
Homeowners have been having their houses checked for potentially toxic levels of formaldehyde. Others have had their laminate flooring lab tested. Some have gone as far as tearing out their laminate flooring, not knowing if their floor was emitting unhealthy levels of formaldehyde.
In reality, excessive amounts of formaldehyde in flooring are rarely excessive when compared to the formaldehyde in other home construction and household products.
Most Laminate Products Are Safe
The majority of laminate flooring products installed in the United are safe. Many of the laminate flooring products are certified by the North American Laminate Flooring Association – NALFA. Companies such as Kronotex, Columbia, Shaw, Mohawk, Mannington, Pergo, and Quick Step among others Certify their laminate flooring. NALFA Certification includes testing for formaldehyde in flooring products they have certified.
Formaldehyde In Laminate and Other Products
Formaldehyde is present in composite wood products, including but not limited to laminate flooring. Many wood products are made using urea formaldehyde adhesives. Formaldehyde can be found in building materials, products such as plywood, particleboard, cabinets, furniture, hardwood, and medium-density fiberboard.
Formaldehyde is found in home furnishings, including textiles, wallpaper, wood floor finishes, and paint. Other uses include household cleaners, personal care products, medicine, and even yard products and pesticides.
Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring substance in the air we breathe and is also released by burning wood, automobiles, gas, oil, and even cigarettes.
Should You Test for Formaldehyde in your Floor or your Residence?
The amount of formaldehyde we are normally exposed to is considered safe. It is not until we get into higher levels of formaldehyde that it becomes a concern.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission, in their March 2015 update on formaldehyde, states regarding formaldehyde emissions testing, “It should not be necessary to measure formaldehyde in your indoor air if you reduce existing formaldehyde levels and do not introduce products that emit formaldehyde into your home.
However, if you become ill following installation of a product that has been manufactured with formaldehyde, you should consult a physician to determine whether or not your symptoms might relate to indoor air quality problems.
If your physician believes that you may be sensitive to formaldehyde, you may want to have the levels of formaldehyde measured.” Another source for answers on laminate flooring is the EPA
Some Symptoms of Formaldehyde Exposure
Stinging, Burning or Itching
Excessive tearing
Nose or Throat
Stinging, Burning or Itching
Sore throat
Runny nose
Blocked sinuses
Sneezing
Wheezing
Chest tightness
Asthma
Skin
Allergic contact dermatitis
Skin rashes
Blisters
Flaky dry skin
Headaches
Insomnia
Nausea
Memory
Equilibrium
Impairments in dexterity
Mood changes (i.e., depression, irritability)
