Nearly one year after a 60 minutes investigation into the dangers of Lumber Liquidators flooring, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has stated that certain types of laminate flooring sold by Lumber Liquidators may put consumers at a greater risk of developing cancer.
According to the CDC, those who purchased the laminate flooring were three times more likely to develop cancer from excessive formaldehyde emissions.
Some other health effects of the flooring noted by the CDC include:
- Increased symptoms and respiratory issues among those suffering from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Eye, nose and throat irritation.
The CDC recommends that consumers take steps to reduce exposure to formaldehyde emitted from select laminate flooring.
However, Lumber Liquidators has said it believe the CDC’s calculations overestimate the potential risks from these products.
Lumber Liquidators Flooring Investigation
Lumber Liquidators is a billion dollar business that has much of its laminate flooring made in China. During a 60 Minutes investigation, Chinese-made laminate flooring from Lumber Liquidators was tested for formaldehyde. Out of 31 samples, the investigation concluded that only one sample was compliant with California formaldehyde emissions standards. Some of the pieces tested had nearly 13 times more formaldehyde than what is permitted legally. The flooring had been sold at several Lumber Liquidators locations in five different states across the U.S.
Some pieces that were tested had nearly 13 times more formaldehyde than the legal level.
Though formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, trace amounts of the chemical is legally permitted in certain products, such as laminate flooring. However, excessive amounts of formaldehyde can cause consumers to suffer from potentially life-threatening health issues. At high levels, formaldehyde can cause myeloid leukemia and nasopharyngeal cancer.
A class action lawsuit has been filed by claimants who allege that Lumber Liquidators was deceptive when it manufactured, labeled and sold toxic laminate flooring. The Knoxville injury lawyers at Greg Coleman Law are currently investigating claims on behalf of those who believe the flooring they purchased from Lumbar Liquidators has caused their health issues.
For a free case evaluation, call (865) 247-0080 or fill out a contact form.
