Vinyl Flooring Health Issues

Many consumers are opting for vinyl or linoleum flooring because they are durable versatile and economical options.

Vinyl flooring health issues.

It s commonly assumed that using recycled content in your luxury vinyl flooring is more sustainable and environmentally friendly than using 100 virgin vinyl. The flooring material holds up well with regular maintenance and care but problems can occur with the material due to improper installation or care. Fifty eight percent of vinyl flooring tiles tested contain phthalate plasticizers which are hazardous and are subject to a pending ban in the european union. 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.

These are toxic substances and they have been linked to reproductive and respiratory health problems in people who have prolonged exposure. Socioeconomic issues and environmental toxins are very important in our country today from a health standpoint. 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. Share on pinterest experts say linoleum is a safer alternative than vinyl flooring.

Vinyl flooring is an economical choice for many homeowners. Some vinyl is hard but most flooring vinyl is relatively soft and yielding. To avoid these types problems it s a great idea to ask your manufacturer about the health impact of their flooring. This characteristic is achieved by the addition of phthalates to the material mix when the pvc is being manufactured.

Vinyl and linoleum flooring. Most vinyl flooring contains chemicals called phthalates many of which have been banned from children s products over concerns of negative health effects. Moreover almost all 89 percent of vinyl flooring samples tested contained organic tin based stabilizers. Vinyl and linoleum are sometimes used interchangeably but they are very different types of flooring.

Most vinyl tile flooring samples tested contained one or more hazardous chemicals. Made in glue down tiles and planks as well as floating versions popularity of this flooring have been sweeping the us and the globe. Formaldehyde levels were excessive and caused health issues and. Linoleum is still around but i believe only three companies still make what we would have.

Scratches were impossible to remove. Homeowners can avoid problems with vinyl flooring by following the manufacturer s recommendations for cleaning and caring for the floor. There is a new trend away from laminates towards a flooring called luxury vinyl tile flooring lvt. Researchers say vinyl flooring and sofas with flame retardants can present a health risk to children.

Vinyl flooring is concerning because it is made up of processed material and.