The health risks of Laminate Flooring
What you need to know about Laminate Flooring
According to the CDC, health risks from formaldehyde in laminate flooring produced in China are three (3) times higher than initially reported.
The original report, released in February, found the risk was three times lower than the risk identified in the revised report. In the original report an incorrect value for ceiling height was used in calculations. This under represented the exposure to formaldehyde.
In general, formaldehyde from the tested products can result in irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Breathing problems can occur in sensitive groups such as people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.
Increased Lifetime Cancer Risks
However, in the revised report, it concludes that irritation and breathing problems could occur in everyone exposed to formaldehyde from the laminate flooring, not just in sensitive groups. The revised report also increased the estimated lifetime cancer risk from breathing the highest levels of formaldehyde from the affected flooring all day, every day for two years. The lifetime cancer risk increased from the previous estimate of 2 to 9 extra cases for every 100,000 people to an increase between 6 and 30.
4 Steps to Reduce Health Risks
Advice for consumers remains unchanged from the initial report. Individuals who have this type of flooring should take steps to reduce exposure:
- Open windows daily to get fresh air
- Use exhaust fans and reduce other sources of formaldehyde, such as tobacco smoke
- Have the home’s air tested if symptoms persist or are severe.
- Consider an air purifier. We recommend either, (a) the IQ Air Health Pro Plus (b) the IQ Air GC Series. Both products provide exceptional air cleaning results for gases. Both units use carbon filtration.
Call us at 937-335-8807and let us help you determine the best solution for your situation.
