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Due to the scope of carpeting information, we opted to not cover carpeting in this report. A comprehensive report on carpeting is available, however, on the Consumer Reports website.
Formaldehyde in flooring
A common environmental concern with many floor types is the off-gassing of certain chemicals, particularly formaldehyde. Pressed wood and other flooring products, including plywood and medium-density fiberboard, are often made with adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde. Wood products are the most significant sources of formaldehyde in the home, including flooring and sub-flooring, cabinetry, paneling and even furniture. The levels of formaldehyde released by these products are highest right after manufacturing and decrease with time.
Since 1985, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have held builders and manufacturers to strict formaldehyde emissions standards. Still, significantly higher levels of formaldehyde are allowed in the U.S. than in Europe. The U.S. Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard for formaldehyde off-gassing is 0.75 parts per million (ppm), while the European E1 emission standard is only 0.08 ppm. The EPA advises that levels in homes should generally be less than 0.1 ppm and never higher than 0.3 ppm.
Formaldehyde is foul-smelling and colorless. In concentrations of only 0.1 ppm, it can cause asthma attacks, respiratory distress, irritation of eyes and nose, wheezing and cough, throat irritation, fatigue and skin rashes. In higher concentrations it may cause cancer, and there are additional effects that may be seen in those with formaldehyde sensitivities.
Before purchasing any glued or pressed wood products, consumers should ask about formaldehyde content. Off-gassing of formaldehyde can be best prevented by choosing "exterior grade" wood that uses phenol-formaldehyde, a substance that releases far fewer formaldehyde gasses than the urea-formaldehyde typically used in indoor wood products. When this is not possible, consumers should use air conditioning and/or a dehumidifier to control temperature and humidity levels, as off-gassing occurs at a much higher level in warm, moist conditions. Additionally, proper ventilation is vital, especially for the first few weeks after installation of wood products.
National Geographic's The Green Guide has "green" product comparisons and helpful shopping and maintenance tips. While the information is not very comprehensive, it lists half a dozen green flooring choices and identifies potentially harmful chemicals and by-products of flooring adhesives, sealants, etc.
The HGTV website has a wealth of information organized into articles on specific flooring tasks and projects. While there are few general resources, consumers with questions or needs related to flooring selection or installation may find this a great resource.
The Bamboo Mountain website has good information about the harvesting and production of bamboo. It also contains valuable data on formaldehyde off-gassing and both American and European standards for safe formaldehyde concentrations.
The Bamtex website gives a detailed, step-by-step look at the bamboo flooring manufacturing process. From harvesting to flooring production, each step is outlined and explained in simple terminology. Information about formaldehyde off-gassing is also available on this site.
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website has an excellent article about formaldehyde off-gassing and what it means to the average homeowner. This article discusses various sources of formaldehyde in homes and how exposure can be reduced and/or avoided. It also has a list of additional resources for consumers.
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