Epa Formaldehyde Flooring

Epa has issued these questions and answers to address formaldehyde concerns with laminate flooring.

Epa formaldehyde flooring.

Epa s tsca title vi the formaldehyde standards for composite wood products act establishes the world s most stringent formaldehyde emissions standards for composite wood products. Sources of formaldehyde in the home include building materials smoking household products and the use of un vented fuel burning appliances like gas stoves or kerosene space heaters. Epa is implementing and enforcing other statutes that pertain to formaldehyde. Epa conducts research to refine our understanding of what levels of exposure might affect human health.

Epa reviewed the report released by the u s. Centers for disease control and prevention cdc and the agency for toxic substances and disease registry atsdr that evaluated possible health effects from formaldehyde found in laminated flooring boards manufactured in china during 2012 2014 and that were sold at lumber liquidators stores. As of friday june 1 2018 manufacturers around the world are now required to import and sell in the u s. Pressed wood in general is a typical source of formaldehyde as it is present in the resin that locks together the wood fibers into the final sheets of wood.

Only carb or tsca title vi third party certified. The formaldehyde standards for composite wood products act of 2010 established emission standards for formaldehyde from composite wood products and directed epa to finalize a rule on implementing and enforcing a number of provisions covering composite wood products. Therefore the use of dehumidifier and air conditioning to control or reduce humidity. What should i know about formaldehyde and indoor air quality.

It has been commonly used in home products for decades in everything from certain types of wood flooring to. High levels of exposure may cause some types of cancers. While there is currently considerable debate about the most appropriate flooring material for use in schools epa recognizes that there are advantages and disadvantages to any flooring system. Formaldehyde is an ever present colorless gas that can give off a pickle like smell.

For further information on formaldehyde and consumer products call the epa toxic substance control act tsca assistance line 202 554 1404. Health effects of formaldehyde. The glues and resins used in laminate flooring to press the wood together and glue each layer will often contain formaldehyde. Resilient flooring is used for high traffic areas including classrooms hallways cafeterias art rooms restrooms and anywhere liquid spills are likely.

The rate at which formaldehyde is released is accelerated by heat and may also depend somewhat on the humidity level.