Laminate Wood Flooring Sold Across the USA Could Exceed California Regulated Formaldehyde Emissions

Americans, who watched an episode of “60 Minutes” earlier this month, are now wondering if they and their families are being exposed to unsafe levels of formaldehyde.  This transpired after the investigative report examined Chinese-made laminate flooring products sold by one of the nation’s largest flooring suppliers.  It found the products emitted an average level of formaldehyde that was 6 to 7 times the state standard and as high as 20 times the standard.
 
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulates the amount of formaldehyde emissions that can come from flooring and other materials.  The California Composite Wood Products Regulation requires finished goods made with hardwood plywood (HWPW), particleboard (PB) and medium density fiberboard (MDF) comply with the regulatory requirements and to be labeled as such.  The samples tested in the broadcast indicated they were CARB Phase 2 Compliant on the boxes. 
 
CARB states exposure to formaldehyde can cause the following: “Health effects can include nose and throat irritation, a burning sensation of the eyes, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, and can trigger asthma symptoms in those with asthma. Sensitive individuals may experience fatigue, headache, and nausea. Formaldehyde is also a known human carcinogen.”
 
For residents of California and other states who are concerned that their laminate wood floors may be exposing them to elevated levels of formaldehyde, the indoor environmental quality professionals at Clark Seif Clark offer testing solutions. “When laminate wood flooring or other formaldehyde-containing materials off-gas into an enclosed space, like a home or office, people’s exposure potential increases,” said Franco Seif, President of Clark Seif Clark. “This can be especially worrisome for families with small children or the elderly as their bodies can be especially sensitive to chemical pollutants.  At CSC, we offer testing and consulting services to identify situations that could expose building occupants to formaldehyde or any number of other contaminants in their homes, schools and businesses.” 
 
To learn more about testing for formaldehyde or other indoor air quality concerns, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118. 
 
About Clark Seif Clark
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both public and private sectors address environmental, IAQ, and health and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.

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Paul Cochrane

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Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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