What is toxic flooring?
Some forms of vinyl and laminate flooring are considered to be toxic. This is because certain types can contain reprocessed plastic and other toxic chemicals including cadmium, toxic phthalates and lead. These flooring materials can give off toxic fumes that can impact air quality through a process called off-gassing.
By contrast, natural building materials and healthy flooring are made with products that are free from harmful chemicals. These types of flooring - including natural stone and wood floors - are considered 'low VOC' (Volatile Organic Compounds).
Sometimes, even those who shop carefully and make lifestyle choices to build a 'chemical-free house' can find that they've overlooked their flooring manufacturers and products.
What is off-gassing?
In simple terms, off-gassing is the process by which dangerous chemicals are released into the air. An easy-to-recognise example might be the smell of wet paint - when you sniff that recognisable scent, it means the chemicals in the paint have risen into the air.
Of course, some smells and fumes are harmless to our health, but others - particularly those with dangerous chemicals or toxins - can have a serious impact.
Who is at risk from off-gassing?
Anyone can be affected by the toxic chemicals in certain flooring and building materials. However, typically babies and young children are among the most susceptible to the effects of toxic air quality. Adults and those with weakened immune systems or respiratory issues can also experience strong symptoms from inhaling the fumes.
In the case of toxic flooring - for example, certain types of vinyl floors - it's likely that anyone who spends a lot of time close to the material itself will be the most affected. This can mean toddlers crawling around, as well as pets.
What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gases that are emitted into our air from various products. They can be standalone harmful chemicals that are dangerous on their own, however sometimes VOCs react to other gases or chemicals to create other pollutants.
In flooring material, VOCs can commonly be found in products like stains, varnishes, adhesives and certain finishes. Natural materials - such as solid wood flooring or hardwood flooring - are generally classed as 'low-VOC'. High levels of exposure to VOCs can be harmful to the environment and health.
What are formaldehyde emissions and how do they relate to low VOC flooring?
Formaldehyde emissions are some of the most common VOCs. The EPA classes formaldehyde fumes as a 'probable human carcinogen'. Formaldehyde is sometimes used for its bonding qualities, so can be found in plywood, top coats, vinyl adhesive and more. It can
Once you know to look out for formaldehyde fumes, you'll be able to identify which flooring is the safest and best to use. A product labelled as ULEF (ultra-low emitting formaldehyde) is certified at the highest category and is the best choice for homes - though it likely contains formaldehyde, it emits fumes at extremely low levels. Formaldehyde can also be found in the emissions from vinyl flooring adhesive and the base layer of many laminate flooring types.
A product labelled NAUF (no added urea formaldehyde) is essentially the next best thing. These products don't use urea formaldehyde, which causes the fumes to be released for the entire life cycle of the product. Instead, these products use alternative glues and release around 90% fewer formaldehyde emissions.
Read on for our guide to non-toxic flooring.
CARPET
Carpet has traditionally been a popular choice of flooring, however as we become more aware of the health risks associated with carpet flooring, many people are searching for more natural eco-friendly flooring options, also known as green flooring options.
There are many areas in which harmful chemicals could be used within synthetic carpet, including the dye used to colour the carpet, adhesives used to bind carpet fibres, and the dangerous chemicals used to create resistance to stains. New carpet installation is a large contributor to indoor air pollution - a recent EU study identified over 59 hazardous substances found in carpets.
Synthetic carpet can hold these dangerous chemicals for months, if not years. However, there are ways to limit exposure. If you are set on choosing a carpet or a rug for your home, place the rug outdoors or in a well-ventilated area for at least a week, as the first few weeks are when the carpet expels the most toxic fumes.
HARDWOOD FLOORING
There are two types of hardwood flooring, solid or engineered. When installing hardwood floors the most common option is to glue the floor down. There are many safe, non-toxic glue options that you can use, speak to your installer about sourcing non-toxic glue. Alternatively, flooring profile options have advanced including 5G click, which simply clicks together allowing you to ‘float’ the floor, without requiring glue.
SOLID HARDWOOD FLOORING
Solid hardwood flooring is considered the safest and least toxic option as it’s completely natural and free from any toxins. Solid hardwood floors are made of planks milled from a single piece of timber, which makes it a healthy flooring option.
Solid wood flooring has many advantages, including its durability, with proper maintenance and care, solid wood flooring can last a lifetime. This type of flooring is also zero-VOC and has no off-gassing qualities since it's made with natural materials.
For an even more eco-friendly option, choose 100% FSC-certified wood floors, as the timber used to produce the floor comes from legal sustainable sources. However, as solid hardwood floors are 100% wood they can’t be used in moist areas, including bathrooms and basem*nts.
ENGINEERED HARDWOOD FLOORING
Engineered hardwood flooring has low toxicity and similar advantages to solid hardwood flooring, but it can also be used with underfloor heating. Engineered wood floors are made from multiple layers of engineered wood for extra stability.
Because it is created using natural wood, it has zero to low VOC levels.
LAMINATE FLOORING
Laminate flooring mimics hardwood, but instead uses synthetic wood. Unfortunately, due to the toxins and chemicals in the bonding adhesives, laminate isn’t the safest option for non-toxic flooring.
CERAMIC TILES
Ceramic tiles are another safe flooring option, as the tiles are usually made from non-toxic materials. However, as tiles require a thin-set mortar for the tiles to adhere to, as well as grout to fill the spaces between each tile. While the tiles themselves do not contain these harmful chemicals, it is possible that these products do. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check all components when opting for tile flooring.
VINYL FLOORING
Vinyl flooring and luxury vinyl plank types have become extremely popular in recent years, thanks to their durability and budget-friendliness. However, while good quality vinyl plank and tile is a viable option for flooring projects, some types of vinyl flooring have historically been found to have phthalates in them, which can be harmful due to off-gassing.
These days, most vinyl flooring from quality, trustworthy manufacturers have drastically reduced VOC levels. Specifically, vinyl plank and luxury vinyl plank or luxury vinyl tile flooring are low in VOCs and at low risk for off-gassing. Rolled vinyl flooring is typically higher in off-gassing risk levels.
IN SUMMARY
When choosing your flooring, it’s best to opt for the most natural materials and products for a non-toxic home that is safe for pets and children.
Atkinson & Kirby is committed to supplying non-toxic hardwood flooring, with solid hardwood floors being manufactured at our mill in Britain. All of our hardwood floors are FSC® and PEFC®, meaning you can be sure the timber was sourced from sustainable forests. View our solid hardwood floors or engineered hardwood floors.
If you would like to order a sample or speak to one of our experienced customer service team, contact us here.
FAQs
Solid hardwood flooring is considered the safest and least toxic option as it's completely natural and free from any toxins. Solid hardwood floors are made of planks milled from a single piece of timber, which makes it a healthy flooring option.
Which flooring is the least toxic? ›
Solid hardwood flooring is considered the safest and least toxic option as it's completely natural and free from any toxins. Solid hardwood floors are made of planks milled from a single piece of timber, which makes it a healthy flooring option.
What kind of flooring has the lowest VOC? ›
Generally speaking, floors with a nontoxic seal or finish have the lowest VOC levels. These include solid hardwood floors, polished concrete, and tile. Keep in mind that every flooring option comes with a lot of variety.
What vinyl flooring is not toxic? ›
There are three main types of vinyl flooring – vinyl that comes in a roll (that is way too high in offgassing for me), vinyl plank, and multilayer luxury vinyl plank. Vinyl plank and luxury vinyl plank/tile are extremely low in VOCs and offgassing but they do have the problem of semi-VOCs – the plasticizers.
Which is more toxic vinyl or laminate? ›
When it comes to environmental impact, laminate has a slight edge over vinyl thanks to its recycled wood core. However, the melamine wear layer on the surface is still made of plastic, which may off-gas VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can be harmful to people and pets.
Is vinyl plank flooring toxic? ›
Due to the materials used in the production process of vinyl, it will sometimes emit various levels of VOCs into the air for a short amount of time after installation. These toxic chemicals can be harmful to air quality of the immediate environment it's installed in and may cause respiratory problems over time.
What is the cleanest flooring? ›
The Cleanest Flooring Materials Available
- Ceramic Tile Flooring. When it comes to durable, affordable, and easy to clean, ceramic tile flooring is the perfect choice. ...
- Hardwood. Hardwood flooring is the classic. ...
- Luxury Vinyl Flooring.
Healthier flooring options include solid wood, natural linoleum, cork, bamboo, tile and stone. A key feature of all of these is that they are easily cleaned of dust and dirt.
How long does vinyl flooring emit VOCs? ›
In reality, the off-gassing should be the strongest during the first two weeks and continue to off-gas for up to months after it is placed into your home.
How long does VOC off-gassing continue? ›
Most paints and other products will continue to release harmful vapors for several days after application. For example, while many latex paints appear to be dry after several hours, ventilation should be continued for no less than 48 hours, and preferably 72 hours, beyond that time.
Some phthalates are even known to be cancer-causing. Luxury vinyl flooring is known to emit these toxins. When it comes to smaller, less-ventilated areas of your home, the buildup of phthalates will be more severe due to the size of the space and the lack of ventilation.
Why is vinyl flooring unhealthy? ›
Manufacturing vinyl flooring requires the use of toxic chemicals, and after installation, vinyl floors have been known to emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Off-gassed VOCs can adversely affect health and an indoor environment, particularly without windows or ventilation, will lead to higher concentrations.
What is the safest luxury vinyl flooring? ›
To further create a safe and healthy indoor environment for the end-users, Polyflor's Expona and Camaro LVT flooring collections are now produced phthalate-free and/or contain bio-based plasticiser, making POLYFLOR as one of the safest vinyl flooring brands to use in your home.
Are Pergo floors toxic? ›
Certified safety
Proof that our flooring products do not release toxic substances and are odourless.
Is Pergo flooring non-toxic? ›
With our environmental product declaration we show our commitment to provide precise, reliable and comparable information on the environmental performance of our laminate and wood products. Proof that our flooring products do not release toxic substances and are odourless.
Is luxury vinyl flooring carcinogenic? ›
Vinyl flooring is in many homes
And it's not just the poor or middle class who are exposed. There's a growing market for expensive luxury vinyl flooring as well. Besides BBP, vinyl flooring also contains dioxins, which are known to be carcinogenic.
How do I know if my vinyl plank floor is safe? ›
FOUR Things to Ask (when choosing LVP floors)
- Double-check to make sure it's virgin (not recycled vinyl)
- Look for phthalate-free.
- You might have a preference for SPC over WPC.
- Check the underlayment, you may choose to avoid cork.
If you have vinyl flooring, consider using an air purifier designed to remove VOCs like phthalates from your indoor air so you can breathe easier. Dust and vacuum frequently with a HEPA filter vacuum.
Does all vinyl flooring contain phthalates? ›
Nowadays, thanks to an increase in safety regulations and technological advancements, most vinyl manufacturers have employed techniques to produce LVP with very low VOCs and the majority of it is NOW phthalate-free!
What is healthier carpet or vinyl flooring? ›
Vinyl plank flooring has a solid surface and that means there is no opportunity for dirt, grime ad allergens to seep into it. Vinyl flooring is also easy to clean and requires no maintenance. That's not the case with carpet. Carpet will attract, trap, and hold everything from dust mites to pet dander and urine.
Vinyl flooring is probably the easiest to clean out of all the options listed here and also one of the easiest to maintain. Also known as Cushion Floor, vinyl flooring is available at a good price and can take plenty of wear over the years, which is why many will come with a 15 year warrantee.
What is the most popular flooring in new homes? ›
Vinyl flooring will work just about anywhere in your new home. It's 100 percent waterproof, so it can withstand the moisture levels in bathrooms, kitchens, damp basem*nts, and mudrooms.
Is bamboo flooring non toxic? ›
In the production of bamboo floors, as with almost all other flooring, trace amounts of formaldehyde are used. While high concentrations of formaldehyde can be hazardous, the minimal amounts released by (high quality) bamboo floors are not present at levels that pose a toxic risk.
Which is healthier carpet or laminate? ›
Laminate flooring is considered more hygienic and hypoallergenic than carpet, as it is easily cleaned, and dirt won't go unnoticed. Carpet tends to retain dust and pollen, stain more easily, and build up mold and mildew when exposed to moisture, making it a less desirable option for those who struggle with allergies.
Is bamboo flooring low VOC? ›
ASTM Laboratory Test Results Show Cali Bamboo Flooring 100% Ultra-low VOCs.
How do you remove VOC from vinyl flooring? ›
To deal with the VOCs put off by existing materials in your home, consider using an air purifier with a carbon filter. Air purifiers for VOCs work by trapping harmful gases inside of carbon filters, then releasing the cleaned air back out into your home.
What are the symptoms of toxic flooring? ›
Formaldehyde exposure may potentially cause a variety of symptoms and adverse health effects, such as eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation, coughing, wheezing, and allergic reactions. Long-term exposure to high levels of formaldehyde has been associated with cancer in humans and laboratory animals.
What are symptoms of off gassing? ›
Off-gassing and your health
- Skin irritation or allergic reaction.
- Eye irritation.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Sore throat.
- Headaches.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fatigue.
- Dizziness.
LVT is made from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. PVC is hazardous to both the environment and human health. There are many reasons for this. First, the production of PVC causes the release of toxins into the environment.
What flooring has formaldehyde? ›
Formaldehyde is off-gased from medium density fibreboard (MDF), a cheap alternative to natural wood. But even high-end engineered wood floors may consist partly out of MDF to prevent the actual wood from changing shape. MDF is simply a manufactured sheet material made by bonding together wood fibres with a glue.
With our environmental product declaration we show our commitment to provide precise, reliable and comparable information on the environmental performance of our laminate and wood products. Proof that our flooring products do not release toxic substances and are odourless.
Does all vinyl flooring have formaldehyde? ›
No brand of LVP/LVT or vinyl plank adds formaldehyde. Any brand advertising as formaldehyde-free is only stating the obvious which can in some cases be considered an inaccurate insinuation that other brands are adding formaldehyde.
What are the symptoms of formaldehyde poisoning from flooring? ›
Formaldehyde exposure may potentially cause a variety of symptoms and adverse health effects, such as eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation, coughing, wheezing, and allergic reactions. Long-term exposure to high levels of formaldehyde has been associated with cancer in humans and laboratory animals.
Does Lowes laminate flooring have formaldehyde? ›
Summary. Further research confirms that Lowe's is guilty of formaldehyde noncompliance in sourcing laminate flooring from China. The Consumer Products Safety Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency need to include Lowe's products in their safety testing.
What product in your home is most likely to emit formaldehyde? ›
In homes, the most significant sources of formaldehyde are likely to be pressed wood products made using adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins.
How long does laminate flooring off gas? ›
Although levels of formaldehyde emissions from products like laminate flooring decrease over time, significant off-gassing may continue for months and even years. Significant off-gassing from laminate flooring can continue for months and even years.
What flooring is best for living room? ›
Although carpet has traditionally been a favourite living room flooring choice, today hard surface materials such as wood, rigid LVT, and laminate are often the preferred choice. These flooring materials are all much easier to clean and maintain than carpet, and more resistant to stains.
Should I replace carpet with vinyl flooring? ›
There are many benefits to replacing carpet with vinyl flooring including durability, easy clean-up, and a wide variety of options. While carpet is softer, it's harder to keep clean and over time it wears down.
