Cancer Risk: Lumber Liquidators Laminate Has Dangerous Formaldehyde Levels
Those shiny new floors you installed from Lumber Liquidators look great. After all, they're high laminate. But these high laminate floors also have high levels of formaldehyde, linked to an increased risk of cancer. They worsen breathing problems in those with asthma and other respiratory difficulties, and can cause eye, nose, and lung irritation in anyone, reports Chicago's Daily Herald.
These are the results of tests by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on laminate flooring made in China between 2012 and 2014, and sold at Lumber Liquidators nationally. The CPSC tested the same type of flooring during a recent consumer investigation with the same conclusion, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) just issued a new warning about the risks. What can you do if you've got these floors?
What You Can Do
The agency warns that breathing in high levels of formaldehyde could lead to irritations in anyone but is particularly problematic for those suffering from asthma and other breathing problems. There are some actions you can take to protect yourself, however.
It sounds deceptively simple but opening the windows will help to keep air circulating and lower the risks associated with high formaldehyde. And opening a window is certainly easier than replacing your new floors.
To get a true sense of your home's air quality, go back to Lumber Liquidators. The company told 60 Minutes last year that it stands by the floors. In support of this it offers free air quality test kits.
The Centers for Disease Control, however, this week stated that it had underestimated the risk to consumers from high formaldehyde levels. The company did not respond directly to the contention.
It did issue a statement, saying, "Beyond proactively suspending all sales of Chinese-sourced laminate in May 2015, we continue offering qualified customers free third-party air quality tests to provide objective scientific information about formaldehyde in their home."
Seek Legal Relief
If you or someone you know has become ill because of this flooring or any other defective product, consult with an attorney. Many lawyers consult for free or a minimal fee and will be happy to discuss your case.
Related Resources:
- Hurt by a product or accident? Get your claim reviewed for free. (Consumer Injury)
- Product Liability Time Limits by State (FindLaw)
- Defects in Manufacturing (FindLaw)