Does Luxury Vinyl Flooring Emit Chemicals

There are no federal laws or rules prohibiting the group of chemicals known as phthalates from vinyl flooring.

Does luxury vinyl flooring emit chemicals. It is very low voc and most of it is phthalate free now though those were replaced with alternate plasticizers. Government regulators around the world are increasing scrutiny and restrictions on the use of some. During the production of materials such as vinyl various chemicals are used. The off gassing of vinyl flooring chemicals will be a painstakingly slow process that can progress for some time after the installation the duration of time will depend on a variety of factors such as the number of chemicals released into the air the ventilation in the space and the size of the environment that is impacted by the off gassing.

These toxic substances are harmful to the air quality of the immediate environment and can cause respiratory problems over time. Vinyl is made from pvc or polyvinyl chloride plastic which produces toxic chemicals during manufacturing like dioxin a carcinogen and reproductive toxicant. I know most of us think vinyl is one of the worst options. A flooring professional should be able to help do the research.

A recent study found that most vinyl flooring made from reprocessed plastic contained toxic phthalates lead cadmium brominated flame retardants and other toxic chemicals. However the act of recycling vinyl to be re used in flooring uses a lot of energy and also means you are running the risks of introducing contaminants into your flooring. Most vinyl flooring contains multiple harmful chemicals including the same phthalates that have been banned from children s toys. There is a huge difference between lvp and sheet vinyl flooring.

These chemicals slowly release themselves from the vinyl and into the surrounding air. The consumer product safety commission does limit phthalates to less than 0 1 of the material used in toys and kids products. Ask the manufacturer to store the vinyl flooring or furniture in its. It s commonly assumed that using recycled content in your luxury vinyl flooring is more sustainable and environmentally friendly than using 100 virgin vinyl.

Because of the materials used in its manufacture vinyl will sometimes emit various levels of volatile organic chemicals or voc s into the air for a period after initial installation. These chemicals can contribute to indoor air pollution by drifting out of the flooring and into the air and dust inside homes. And if someone in your household tends to be sicker at home than when away consider hiring a pro to analyze the overall indoor air.