However, prolonged exposure to this chemical may lead to several health issues like reproductive health issues. During its lifecycle from construction to use to disposal vinyl releases the various so much poisonous chemical substances on the planet that have been associated with cancer, beginning defects and different serious persistent diseases. However, as it emits a level of VOC, it may be dangerous to your health and cause asthma or other issues. From the chemicals produced from the actual vinyl itself to the chemical (VOCs) used to install the vinyl like the adhesives, they can all create a toxic environment for your home. As long as you are very mindful of what finishes and adhesives are used. The adhesives used in some types of engineered hardwood, laminate and vinyl floorings can carry high amounts of VOCs. It's durable, easy to clean and comes in a variety of trendsetting colors, patterns, and looks. As the modern vinyl flooring plank is made from phthalate-free materials, they have a minimum risk to your health. When it comes to the installation of new flooring into a home this building material will release potentially toxic chemicals into the environment that are known as VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). How do I stop my windows from sweating in the winter? Real Wood and Bamboo Floors for Allergies and Asthma. Nonetheless, the top part that would be exposed is vinyl and should be okay. Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, can cause: Sneezing. . This will help keep allergens like dust mites, and mold at bay. Your email address will not be published. Yes, vinyl flooring is toxic because it contains Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Vinyl also does not provide any increase in property value (but . My question is how do I verify this allergy- is there a test- and how do I treat it??? The adhesives used in the process may contain formaldehyde as well as other dangerous VOCs, and these can trigger other allergies sometimes immediately, and other times over time. The reaction can cause coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, and a scratchy throat. Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. When we were researching we ran into the query Does vinyl flooring produce VOCs?. However one thing to make sure of when considering . The chemical fume that is produced from this type of flooring is a result of off-gassing that releases the chemical into the air and affects indoor air quality, and as it releases this chemical it will create a pungent odor that will permeate throughout the entire indoor space. Armstrong Luxe Plank Bushes Bay Barnyard Gray A6861. You can take some steps to get rid of them: Put. If you have carpet, or area rugs (or are required to have carpet), low pile (including looped carpets) are better options and so are natural fiber carpets such as wool or sisal. By maintaining a temperature between 68F (20C) and 72F (22C) and a humidity level of no more than 50 percent you can reduce their growth. Even solid hardwood (which is often the best choice), can result in sneezes (as well as scratches) if you dont keep it clean. Rather than burn the place to the ground after reading those horrifying lists of allergens and where theyre found, were going to look at some options on which flooring is best for allergies, and honestly, which one is the worst. Not to sound like a broken record but be sure to watch the VOCs on those products. The Best Way To Clean Waterproof LVT Flooring. Hard-surface flooring such as vinyl, tile or wood is much easier to keep free of dust mites, pollen, pet dander and other allergens. Even if you don't have asthma or any known allergies, you can find yourself with eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, headaches, dizziness, and nausea if high levels of VOCs are in your home. The whole purpose of this is due to to her asthma and allergies. When it comes to the safest option, hardwood flooring is a prime choice. But you can manage allergies with prevention and treatment. Waterproof floors (sheet vinyl, LVT, and LVP) are a great option for those who need a durable floor that wont upset their allergies. Use natural linoleum or tile made in the U.S. Thirdly, you can use an air purifier if you have a PVC (vinyl) floor. These symptoms may include: chest pain or. Besides, this report shows commercial products containing phthalates are safe and will not be harmful to the human body at a typical exposure level. Copyright 2011-2022 | All Rights Reserved. Not all tile flooring is allergy friendly. Higher-end vinyl products typically are the better option for both durability and VOC content. Regardless of which flooring surface you use, its important to keep the floors clean. 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. If you do need to glue the floor down, there are low VOC and no VOC adhesive options available. As the modern vinyl flooring plank is made from phthalate-free materials, they have a minimum risk to your health. Like carpet, fabrics in your home can harbor allergens and irritants. Compared with other types of floor, this kind of flooring is superbly easy. However, formaldehyde is also a concern in vinyl flooring, although its levels tend to be lower than in laminate flooring. I really appreciate that. Her work has made her a famous name in this Livingproofmag.com is as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This can cause many of the symptoms you're experiencing including headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, and asthmatic reactions. A latest study found that almost all vinyl flooring, made from reprocessed plastic, contained toxic phthalates, lead, cadmium, brominated flame retardants, and other toxic chemicals. 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). So, still, is vinyl flooring toxic? Hi there, E-mail-custserv@timilon, Learn More About The EnviroKlenz Air 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. When your body's immune system identifies allergens like pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander as an invader, antibodies bind to the allergen . Over 14 billion pounds of vinyl flooring is manufactured in the United States each year and installed into homes and other indoor spaces. If so, feel free to buy me a coffee and support my blog. Is Lowes vinyl flooring toxic? When properly installed and sealed with an allergy-friendly polyurethane-style clearcoat, hardwood floors do not harbor microorganisms like dust mites or trap dirt, dust, or other tracked in allergens. It isn't easy, but us possible. Hardwood floors can be refinished, and with care can last a lifetime or more. Due to its chlorine base, vinyl siding does not ignite quickly and is inherently flame-retardant. Your partners at The Good Guys can help with navigating some of these tricky allergy-free products. And finally, you can look for an alternative to LVP flooring like ceramic tile. Carpet works well in some areas of the home. I have all the same plastic issues, however, I have also been dealing with stomach issues about the same length of time. Laminate flooring is toxic, because the wood-bonding adhesive and top layer contain and emit chemicals, which are harmful to our health. PVC can also readily contaminate water bodies like streams. 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!) How wide should curtains be for 36 inch window? The relieving fact is- home improvement companies now produce phthalate-free vinyl flooring. Multi-width vinyl flooring is a type of vinyl in which the planks, Vinyl floors naturally tend to expand and contract with the temperature and humidity. Other suitable options but be wary of quality. 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. Known for its durability and natural beauty, hardwood flooring adds value and luxury to any room. Linoleum is also a natural product that also is a good option for those with allergies or asthma. Here are 3 things you can do to prevent allergens and irritants from living in your home. Bathroom Rugs Safe for Vinyl Flooring. Vinyl is produced using petroleum, which isn't a renewable resource. Laminate and vinyl are alternative synthetic options. Consider buying an anti-allergenic vacuum cleaner, with a specialized filtration system. The scent can be natural, as from a pine tree or a fresh orange. Honestly, vinyl plank flooring has minimum health issues. Why is energy transfer inefficient in the ecosystem? Fax | 941.866.0428 But for allergy sufferers, even the home can be a minefield of triggers and health concerns on a daily basis. Vinyl flooring is made from phthalates mixed with additives; plasticizers, stabilizers, pigments, and fillers. Why is Renting Furniture a Smart Decision? are held more in the carpet than in any other flooring material. Any smooth finish tile or stone is a good hypoallergenic option. Dioxin is known to be a toxic chemical, but it's also been linked to illnesses of many vital systems, such as the reproductive and immune systems. Heat or energy recovery ventilators remove stale indoor air and pull the same amount of fresh air into your home. type of poly and type of cleaner) can have an impact, too. . Its believed that this exacerbates the indications of these conditions. Stone and ceramic tile can be better choices than vinyl and laminate. Those chemical compounds can make a contribution to indoor air pollution by way of drifting out of the floors and into the air and dust within homes. There is an array of different air purifiers that are currently available to consumers that can all focus and mitigate certain pollutants from the environment such as noxious odors, allergens, particulates, and even chemicals from the air. Kick Dust Mites Out of Bed These microscopic bugs can trigger allergies and asthma. Like the certifications we talked about, there are other third-party certifications for other types of products like EnergyStar, Green Seal, and FSC International. Always check the product to see the formaldehyde rating (E1 or E0 are the best choices). By Dane Eckard | Nov 13, 2015 7:58:00 PM | Allergies and Flooring. LVP and LVT flooring is an excellent solution for allergy sufferers because the hard surface wont' hold onto dust mites or pet dander like carpet does. 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. The stuff that soaks up water, and by that logic could soak up mold, mildew, dirt and other allergens? TW Yes, Im sure that can have a big impact. Thats probably the best regarding VOCs. Luxury vinyl plank and vinyl tile flooring are one of the hottest new trends in flooring in recent years. How do I clean my above ground pool for the winter? Cork Floors - While cork floors offer easy cleanup and can be visually beautiful, the porous nature of the material creates small pockets that dust and pet dander can hide. Your safe harbor from the pressures and threats of the day-to-day outside world. Rubber rug pads and vinyl floors: no longer a event made in heaven Rubber, the two the organic and synthetic, isnt secure to use with vinyl floors since it reacts with the chemicals found in vinyl and motives staining. Over the past several years, some waterproof and laminate floors have developed a reputation for having high levels of VOCs. My company has been in business 36 years. Because of this, many homeowners are worried about having these products in their homes. What are common allergens? From new paint, new furniture, wall additions inside the home, and even the removal and replacing of new flooring can all be potential sources of the entrance of hazardous chemicals into the indoor air of your home. Laminate and vinyl plank flooring dont trap allergens like carpet and theyre generally much easier to clean. More on LivingProofMag Indoor air pollution and air quality have become a major concern in recent years as the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has conducted extensive research to show that many indoor environments can actually be more polluted and more toxic than that of outdoor environments. In reality, the off-gassing should be the strongest during the first two weeks and continue to off-gas for up to months after it is placed into your home. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. 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. Tile. Is there even such a thing as an allergy-proof floor? She is one of the few personalities from Oklahoma who are famous in the food industry. But why? It also leads to the pollution of the environment. Generally speaking, soft surfaces are not going to be your best option, so stick with harder surface floor products and avoid rugs. I would think, but I could be wrong, that would products would be okay as they dont have pollen, etc. The off-gassing of vinyl flooring chemicals will be a painstakingly slow process that can progress for some time after the installation the duration of time will depend on a variety of factors such as the number of chemicals released into the air, the ventilation in the space, and the size of the environment that is impacted by the off-gassing. I'm cursed. However, factors like ventilation, where the installation is done, and the amount of chemicals emitted can affect how long the smell will last. 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. On top of that, flooring manufacturer companies now produce phthalate-free or non-toxic LVP surfaces. Waterproof floors are a great solution for those needing a durable floor that doesnt trap allergens and irritants. Researchers have found that children living in homes with vinyl flooring and sofas treated with fire retardant chemicals show increased levels of certain toxic chemicals. However, if you visit that link, you can find the report says: Children will suffer from allergic asthma if the mother is heavily exposed to phthalates at the time of pregnancy & breastfeeding.. If you are still concerned about the safety issue of Vinyl floors, you can consider the following alternatives for healthier options. Steam . Laminate flooring, like vinyl plank, is likewise tremendously long lasting and is a good choice for residences with infants and pets. Are you sure? Following the below steps, you can easily protect yourself from vinyl toxicity. Phthalates are known toxins, exposing both humans and pets to the risk of asthma, cancer, kidney, lung, and even reproductive health problems. Allergens can live in any number of places throughout the home, including oft-overlooked flooring. Furthermore a tight looped polypropylene carpet is impervious to moisture and is inherently mold proof If youre looking at engineered wood as an option for your floors, pay special attention to the amount of VOCs in each product and select products with the least amount possible. Vinyl flooring is likely one of the such a lot budget-friendly kitchen floors options. https://theflooringgirl.com/blog/review-coretec-plus-luxury-vinyl-waterproof-hardwood-planks.html. 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. 3. I tried antihistamines and they did not solve the problem. Your email address will not be published. Was planning on installing laminate flooring. 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. Your email address will not be published. Those dwelling with asthma or hypersensitivity symptoms have traditionally been told to take away all carpet in the home due to the fact carpet traps allergens. Yes, vinyl flooring is toxic because it contains Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). 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. With numbers like those, its easy to see why you would want to prevent allergy triggers as much as possible. Though we are not allergic, but their are few other benefits of vinyl flooring too. The material and statements illustrated within this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or medical conditions. 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That also is a good hypoallergenic option and how do I clean my above ground for! Symptoms you 're experiencing including headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of,. Buy me a coffee and support my blog by that logic could soak up mold,,. Should be okay as they dont have pollen, etc and is inherently flame-retardant produce phthalate-free vinyl flooring a... A reputation for having high levels of VOCs VOC and no VOC adhesive available...