Is Vinyl Flooring Toxic

What is the concern about phthalates.

Is vinyl flooring toxic.

Ehn found the heavy metal cadmium recently in vinyl floors probably recycled ones they say. Vinyl flooring can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Toxic metals in vinyl flooring. The pvc will create a large number of toxic chemicals like dioxins and phthalates that are released into the air and can.

Vinyl flooring phthalates. Organotins a form of tin can be used in the top layer. These are toxic substances and they have been linked to reproductive and respiratory health problems in people who have prolonged exposure. A recent study found that most vinyl flooring made from reprocessed plastic contained toxic phthalates lead cadmium brominated flame retardants and other toxic chemicals.

Vinyl chloride has been classified as a human carcinogen 14th report on carcinogens national toxicity program and is on the living building challenge red list of toxic chemicals to avoid. These chemicals can contribute to indoor air pollution by drifting out of the. Vinyl tile flooring is constructed of new or recycled polyvinyl chloride or pvc that is known to be one of the most environmentally hazardous consumer materials that are produced for flooring. Vinyl flooring toxic fumes.

Flooring samples sold by five major home improvement stores were tested and of the 65 vinyl flooring tiles tested 58 contained phthalates. 100 of vinyl flooring sold by lumber liquidators contained these dangerous chemicals although other flooring retailers were also selling vinyl flooring with high levels of phthalates. Some vinyl is hard but most flooring vinyl is relatively soft and yielding. Some lvt manufacturers are committed to reducing the amount of pvc and phthalates but many companies have not eliminated them.

Antimicrobials can be used usually in the underlayment. Linoleum flooring is a safer alternative to vinyl flooring and manufacturers have started offering phthalate free flooring that doesn t contain the potentially dangerous chemicals identified by. In april 2015 a study was released about vinyl flooring and toxic phthalates. I have seen various types including silver.

This characteristic is achieved by the addition of phthalates to the material mix when the pvc is being manufactured. But another concern phthalates in vinyl flooring has also garnered attention since both home depot and lowe s announced that flooring products they sell will be phthalate free by 2016.