Lumber Liquidators Flooring From China: What You Need to Know About the CDC's New Report
CDC released new report on formaldehyde levels in the flooring.
— -- A new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has put the spotlight again on some flooring sold by Lumber Liquidators due to potential health risks. The company came under fire last year after some of its products sourced from China were found to have elevated formaldehyde levels.
But the CDC's new report on Monday suggests the risk may be higher than previously estimated.
What Did the CDC Find?
At the request of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the CDC launched an investigation last year into whether certain laminate flooring products sourced from China and sold by Lumber Liquidators could pose a risk to human health due to elevated levels of formaldehyde, which is often found in resin or finishes used in laminated flooring.
The CPSC asked the CDC to start the investigation after a report on 60 Minutes about the flooring.
A initial report released Feb. 10 found that there was a low risk of cancer due to formaldehyde -- approximately two to nine cases per 100,000 people, according to the CDC. However, the CDC changed its figures after the CPSC pointed out a modeling error -- in essence, an error in the way the risk was calculated.
The CDC on Monday revised its figures, now estimating that the cancer risk is six to 30 cases per 100,000 people.
In a statement sent to ABC News, Lumber Liquidators said it supports the CDC findings but that the company thinks the new calculation "overestimates any potential health risks from these products, and we are encouraged that CDC is seeking a broader review of their conclusions."
The company also noted it has offered air testing to concerned consumers to determine the risk from formaldehyde and that it suspended the sale of all laminate flooring from China last May.
"Lumber Liquidators has significantly strengthened our quality assurance procedures, from enhanced compliance protocols to product sample testing," the company said. "We remain committed to operating with integrity and delivering quality flooring to our customers."
When Was the Flooring Sold?
The flooring in question was sold from 2012 to 2015 and an official familiar with the investigation said that more than 100,000 homes have had the flooring installed.
Will the Formaldehyde Risk Decrease Over Time?
Formaldehyde does decay, meaning the risk of exposure will decrease over time. A CPSC spokesman told ABC News that the risk related to the flooring will be present for about one to two years after installation.
How Does Formaldehyde Affect People?
The symptoms of exposure to low levels of formaldehyde include headaches, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, skin rashes and shortness of breath, according to the CDC.
Long-term exposure to high concentrations of formaldehyde can increase the risk of certain cancers and myeloid leukemia, according to the CDC.
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