GREENGUARD tests flooring and many other products for over 10,000 chemicals to certify that they give off low emissions. But, yes how you treat the floor (e.g. Get Additional $250 OFF Now*. Call Now and save. So, you can get the safest vinyl flooring if you purchase one from Home Depot. A cleaning product that we recommend is Real Clean Floors. Best Budget-Friendly Kitchen Flooring Suggestions Laminate. Most scientists will tell you that vinyl flooring is not suitable for your health because of the component ( PVC) it contains. All those adhesives and man-made materials are potential sources of allergens. However, you can ask some questions to the Installer about the safety of grout, and other ingredients used during the installation process as it may emit toxicity. I am in Atlanta, GA. Anupa You may want to look into a pre-finished wood. 1. You can read more about it here Whats the difference between linoleum and vinyl? Vinyl is a good allergy-friendly alternative as its hard surface qualities make it easy to clean of dust and debris and dont lend towards trapping allergens. Engineered Hardwood contains several layers of actual wood, bonded to a base layer for strength. Like wood, tile, and cork, when properly sealed, bamboo flooring resists the growth of mold and mildew and doesnt trap dirt and dust. Even though weve narrowed it down to hard surface flooring, there are a lot of options to consider. Yes, some carpets can work well, and there certainly are advantages to carpet. Its durable, easy to clean and comes in a variety of trendsetting colors, patterns, and looks. Following the below steps, you can easily protect yourself from vinyl toxicity. Download the guide Five Things You Need To Consider When Buying A Waterproof Floor now to help you make the best decision for your space. Also, most companies today choose to make vinyl planks that are not toxic elements or free of phthalates. . at the desks, chairs, etc). I started to see an allergist and had the skin and patch testing done. The hives and welts kept coming and were getting worse. the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, Waterproof floors (sheet vinyl, LVT, and LVP. Flooring adhesives can also contain high amounts of VOCs. This chemical is used in hundreds of personal care products, furniture, or other applications. Laminate floors is more largely used in other rooms of the home, yet its an affordable alternative for kitchen flooring. The short answer is- yes, as the manufacturers now use a minimum level of phthalates. At NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU, I will earn a small commission, if you purchase them. You may get a cold a few times a year, but those are not allergies. With numbers like those, its easy to see why you would want to prevent allergy triggers as much as possible. How wide should curtains be for 36 inch window? When looking for decorations like rugs, bedding, and pillows, choose ones that are made from natural materials and can be machine washable. Accordingly, whats the best floors for somebody with allergies? Thus, Vinyl plank flooring is toxic and easily contaminates indoor air, water, and surfaces. The consumer reports make the aware homeowners shock as phthalates have to link to asthma, or even it will be a reason for cancer. However, theyre also found in indoor plants, bedding, and pillows, mattresses, stuffed toys, soft furniture, on pets, and in damp areas such as basements, kitchens and bathrooms. It's durable, easy to clean and comes in a variety of trendsetting colors, patterns, and looks. These chemicals have been associated with serious health issues, including respiratory problems, neurological issues, skin irritation, and cancer. Theyre here to help with all your questions from allergy-friendly product selection, to installation and maintenance. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. Click to schedule Free Estimate. I tried antihistamines and they did not solve the problem. What are the harmful effects of vinyl flooring? Nonetheless, laminate provides a hard surface that is easy to clean and like hardwood, it doesnt harbor dust or dander. The short answer is, yes. Which flooring is the best option for combating allergy triggers? How many times should pool water be turned over? Honestly, vinyl plank flooring has minimum health issues. The Best Way To Clean Waterproof LVT Flooring. Vinyl production creates dioxin, vinyl chloride and ethylene dichloride, which can impact the environment in surrounding areas. But you can manage allergies with prevention and treatment. Is Cleaning Products Safe for Vinyl Planks? They are natural, which limits the VOCs, eco-friendly, and easy to maintain for an allergy-free floor for years. Hardwood floors are consistently rated as one of the most allergy-friendly choices on the market. As the modern vinyl flooring plank is made from phthalate-free materials, they have a minimum risk to your health. As a general rule, smooth stone will be much less likely to harbor allergens than a tile that is porous or has rough edges or is highly textured.. Polished marble and granite are excellent choices (for those with allergies), but natural-looking stone with a textured finishes and uneven surfaces can provide pockets for mold and other allergens to collect and develop. Most people find it odorless, but those like me with a high sense of smell can certainly pick up the offgassing. Cork. This doesnt mean that vinyl, (or laminates) should be avoided at all costs. Just found out my daughter is allergic to trees. Many of the microscopic allergens we discussed are trapped and even furthered with carpet. However, as phthalates are used during the final production, it may emit VOCs that may be harmful to human health. You can take some steps to get rid of them: Put. For people with asthma and certain allergies, another aspect to consider is the VOC (volatile organic compounds) level of the floor. If you are planning to update the flooring within your home, consider using allergy-friendly options that are also low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Here are 3 things you can do to prevent allergens and irritants from living in your home. Natural stone or porous tiles, or tiles with roughly finished edges can trap dirt, dust, mold and other allergens in the holes in the tile. Katie Knight joined The Masters Craft marketing team in 2017. However, as it emits a level of VOC, it may be dangerous to your health and cause asthma or other issues. Stained Concrete. But the report back to 2015 by Healthy Stuff revealed that 58% of vinyl flooring tiles contain phthalates. So why should your floor contribute to that? Ive been in the flooring business 46 years. However, factors like ventilation, where the installation is done, and the amount of chemicals emitted can affect how long the smell will last. Besides, this report shows commercial products containing phthalates are safe and will not be harmful to the human body at a typical exposure level. That base layer is often man-made materials bonded together with a chemical adhesive. However, prolonged exposure to this chemical may lead to several health issues like reproductive health issues. 5 Best Places At Home To Install Solar Panels. Vinyl Plank, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) are very low in VOCs and offgassing. In severe cases, rashes, hives, low blood pressure, breathing trouble, asthma attacks, and even death have occurred. Carpeting can also retain moisture, which encourages the growth of mold and mildew. are held more in the carpet than in any other flooring material. What is the most durable flooring for pets? Hardwood supplies e.g. They are inherently mold and mildew resistant due to the antimicrobial presence of suberin. Long popular for their durability, style, high-end appearance and variety, tile and stone are good allergy-friendly options for flooring if attention is paid to the selection, style, and installation. Use solid surface flooring instead of carpet. It actually happens to me with grocery bags, gloves and cardboard boxes. It doesnt contain any harmful ingredients that are 100% safe for human health. Regarding an installer, youll need to find a local one. After installation, clean the floors regularly, keep a healthy home environment, and use other products that dont use irritating chemicals. Waterproof floors are a great solution for those needing a durable floor that doesnt trap allergens and irritants. Vinyl also does not provide any increase in property value (but . They are natural, renewable resources, that like anything in nature omits some VOCs, however, they pale in comparison to those contained in (brace for a surprise!) We recommend you to purchase the LVP flooring from a trusted company like Home Depot that emits a low level of VOCs. However one thing to make sure of when considering . The reaction can cause coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, and a scratchy throat. Hardwood is much better in other areas. But for allergy sufferers, even the home can be a minefield of triggers and health concerns on a daily basis. Ok, lets start with the bad news first. Did you find my tips helpful? Cork is also an eco-friendly product. This of course begs the inquiry Is laminate flooring really that toxic?. For people with asthma and certain allergies, another aspect to consider is the VOC (volatile organic compounds) level of the floor. Engineered hardwoods are most frequently glued down using adhesives. Avoid laminate, vinyl flooring and synthetic carpeting. Carpet will also be warmer and acoustically more sound deadening. So, still, is vinyl flooring toxic? Formaldehyde publicity might most likely cause quite a number warning signs and unfavourable well-being effects, such as eye, nose, throat, and dermis irritation, coughing, wheezing, and allergic reactions. While concrete does emit VOCs, the emissions are significantly lower than that of most other building products, as reported by the Portland Cement Association, a policy, research, education, and market intelligence organization serving Americas cement manufacturers. A recent study found that most vinyl flooring, made from reprocessed plastic, contained toxic phthalates, lead, cadmium, brominated flame retardants, and other toxic chemicals. Your email address will not be published. If you opt for a laminate or vinyl product, try to select an option that has low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and be cognizant of the adhesive used. You can get rid of VOCs and let some fresh air into your home by opening a window, using the exhaust fan in your kitchen or bathroom, or having a mechanical ventilator installed. A full-bond floor will have adhesive applied to the entire surface area. Get more ways to create a healthy environment in your home from the AAAAI. Thats allergy-friendly? The PVC will create a large number of toxic chemicals like dioxins and phthalates that are released into the air and can produce toxic fumes into the environment. Come by today and see how we can help you make your house feel even more like home. After installation, you can leave the room for a day and open the window to get rid of the contaminated air. Laminate flooring may or may not be a good choice for those with allergies it can depend on the manufacturer and the grade of product. I started to see an allergist and had the skin and patch testing done. Phthalates are known toxins, exposing both humans and pets to the risk of asthma, cancer, kidney, lung, and even reproductive health problems. Ive heard of tree pollen and mold, but not trees. Off-gassing can last between six months and five years depending on the household item and the chemicals used to treat it. Additionally, loose lay waterproof floors perform well in flood-prone areas, like basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. As long as you are very mindful of what finishes and adhesives are used. My daughters are allergic to Willow and oak trees. Consider buying an anti-allergenic vacuum cleaner, with a specialized filtration system. For example, a website that ranks on Google First page uses this, to ensure phthalate increases the risk of allergies for children, How to protect yourself from the toxic vinyl floor. Though we are not allergic, but their are few other benefits of vinyl flooring too. Higher-end vinyl products typically are the better option for both durability and VOC content. Your home is your castle. Hard-surface flooring such as vinyl, tile or wood is much easier to keep free of dust mites, pollen, pet dander and other allergens. A recent study found that most vinyl flooring, made from reprocessed plastic, contained toxic phthalates, lead, cadmium, brominated flame retardants, and other toxic chemicals. One of the worst offenders in allergy magnets for your home is carpeting. First, the production of PVC causes the release of toxins into the environment. The stuff that soaks up water, and by that logic could soak up mold, mildew, dirt and other allergens? American Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Frequently Asked Questions about Multi-Length Rigid Core Flooring. But, hardwood or cork (or other hard surfaces) are generally much better options. Here are the vinyl floors products Shopper Reviews recommends: Tarkett NAFCO PermaStone Collection-Natural Slate-Sand Stone NS-660. Can you be allergic to vinyl flooring? Vinyl flooring will also produce other hazardous chemicals into the air from the adhesives that are used to install the flooring. Flooring is an item inside your home that can be filled with a mix of different chemicals that can release into the air and pollute the air quality indoors. I have been trying to figure out my allergy for almost the past year. Like carpet, fabrics in your home can harbor allergens and irritants. Is vinyl flooring toxic? Humans absorb this chemical through contact with vinyl, as well as through the affected food we eat. Phthalates are known toxins, exposing both humans and pets to the risk of asthma, cancer, kidney, lung, and even reproductive health problems. Always check the product to see the formaldehyde rating (E1 or E0 are the best choices). Make sure the concrete is prepared with low VOC products prior to staining/finishing, and have it properly sealed with a low-VOC or VOC-free sealer for extra life and worry-free maintenance. Im not sure if that product existed at the time I wrote the allergy issue. If you have never suffered from allergies, you are not familiar with the running nose, itchy eyes and sore throat that can come with it. As theyre chemical-based, they have the potential for immediate and timed-release of Volatile Organic Compounds (or VOCs). Vinyl flooring can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. https://theflooringgirl.com/blog/review-coretec-plus-luxury-vinyl-waterproof-hardwood-planks.html. The symptoms that can follow after toxic vinyl floors are installed into your home can include the following: Eye, nose, and throat irritation Headaches Nausea Allergic skin reaction. Carpet works well in some areas of the home. Polished marble and granite look great and are allergy-friendly options, but they can be slick underfoot, so factor that into any decision. Pet hair itself is not an allergen. In severe cases, rashes, hives, low blood pressure, breathing trouble, asthma attacks, and even death have occurred. Read more here. Kick Dust Mites Out of Bed These microscopic bugs can trigger allergies and asthma. Thankfully, dust that has settled on hardwood is far easier to wipe away (or swiffer away) than dirt that has settled into the carpet (here are some cleaning products we recommend). Yes, vinyl flooring is toxic because it contains Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). By Dane Eckard | Nov 13, 2015 7:58:00 PM | Allergies and Flooring. Most cork floors, though, are floating, so its important that your subfloor is level/even, otherwise you may need to smooth and/or level out the floors prior to installing cork. However, theyre not completely impervious to allergens either. I have a systemic reaction going on because of it! Here are some other articles that might interest you: hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(529392, '2310777b-aa0a-4b06-87dd-dbcb05f672bd', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); Dane is the owner and manager at Eckard's Flooring Savannah GA. Carpet is one of the best safest flooring options. Armstrong and Designers Image is another floor retailer that offers eco-friendly LVP flooring. How is your daughter surviving if she is allergic to trees. So, don't worry about buying them because they will be safe to use. Please note that some of this sites links are affiliate links, and TheFlooringGirl.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Do you have plywood subfloor or wood in the house? Heat or energy recovery ventilators remove stale indoor air and pull the same amount of fresh air into your home. It did prove that I was allergic to dust, pollen, molds etc, dogs and cats. On the contrary, these are durable, cost-effective products that tend to be far better for allergies than carpet; its just important that you research the products and select higher end options rather than cheaper alternatives. Truly a you-get-what-you-pay-for situation. The reaction can cause coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, and a scratchy throat. In the case of allergies, this is a short list, however, well get into more detail as we go through each option. But, it may have a tad of wood shavings in the core. When everything is dry again, you can re-install the flooring. My question is how do I verify this allergy- is there a test- and how do I treat it??? These toxic chemicals can be harmful to air quality of the immediate environment it's installed in and may cause respiratory problems over time. hives hi my daughter is 7 years old y she have 2 years with chronic have. Vinyl is a good allergy-friendly alternative as its hard surface qualities make it easy to clean of dust and debris and don't lend towards trapping allergens. The Floor Should have a Very Low VOC Content. Temperature changes, humidity, space for air circulation, and ventilation affect how much gas the floor releases. Carpet is a digital magnet for allergens like dirt mites, pet dander, mildew spores and different potentially annoying proteins. 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. I have recently been told by my doctor to quit drinking from plastic!! TW Yes, Im sure that can have a big impact. There are also hypoallergenic and low VOC carpet padding (such as felt or Shaws Triple Touch Carpet padding) which tend to be better for allergies or asthma. Your email address will not be published. The hard, flat surface of ceramic and porcelain tiles makes them a sensible choice for these with allergies. Andrew Thank you so much. If youre interested in buying some cork flooring online, check out US Floors Natural Cork line. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. Find out the top 5 things to know before choosing a waterproof floor. PVC can also readily contaminate water bodies like streams.