Popular Flooring Products May Contain High Levels of Formaldehyde

In early March, “60 Minutes” revealed that a national laminate flooring company whose products were manufactured in China may not meet health and safety standards due to high levels of formaldehyde, a known cancer-causing chemical. According to the broadcast, the company’s products averaged six to seven times above the state standard for formaldehyde and even found some products were close to 20 times above the level that is allowed to be sold. 

Formaldehyde is a colorless and strong-smelling toxic chemical. One company that has been at the forefront of helping the public, industry and government regulators identify risks associated with formaldehyde is EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that can affect asthmatics or create a pre-asthma condition in young children,” stated Scott Van Etten, CIH, National Director of Industrial Hygiene at EMSL. “Installing glued wood products like composite flooring with high formaldehyde content should be avoided.” 

EMSL has sponsored a video about the hazards associated with formaldehyde in indoor environments, which can be seen at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD4pTC8GVpE.

For information about testing for formaldehyde or other indoor air quality (IAQ) services, please call 1-888-958-8170, visit www.FormaldehydeTesting.com or www.EMSL.com, or email info@EMSL.com.  

About EMSL Analytical, Inc. 
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

Contact via E-mail