Lumber Liquidators Floors Could Increase Cancer Risk, Investigation Finds

Some laminate flooring from Lumber Liquidators could increase a homeowner’s risk of developing cancer and cause breathing problems for people with asthma, according to a government investigation.

The company’s laminate flooring manufactured in China between 2012 and 2014 contains high levels of formaldehyde, a chemical that can irritate eyes, noses and throats, increase the effects of asthma and sometimes cause rare nose and throat cancers, the investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Consumer Product Safety Commission found.

Lumber Liquidators’ stock has plunged since a March 2015 “60 Minutes” episode that initially revealed that the flooring may not meet safety standards for formaldehyde levels. Then-CEO Robert Lynch resigned in May.

Lumber Liquidators also stopped selling laminate flooring produced in China in May, a company statement sent to Patch said.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission launched an investigation into the flooring retailer after the “60 Minutes” report. The commission worked with the CDC to test different types of laminate flooring.

An initial report from the CDC put the risk for cancer from the Lumber Liquidators flooring at 2 to 9 cases per 100,000 people. But the agencies miscalculated the risk, the CDC said in an issued correction.

The new calculated risk is 6 to 30 cases per 100,000 people, according to the CDC.

Lumber Liquidators’ stock fell 20 percent Monday after the updated calculation was released.

The initial model used an incorrect number for ceiling height, the CDC said, prompting the recalculation. The actual risk is likely lower, because a conservative model was used to do the calculations, the CDC said.

The CDC’s recommendations didn’t change with the increased calculated risk.

“We strongly stress taking steps to reduce exposures, which should alleviate respiratory and eye, nose and throat irritation,” the CDC correction said. “These steps should also reduce the cancer risk.”

Among the steps the CDC says to take:

• Open windows and keep air flowing through the home for a few minutes every day.
• Keep temperature and humidity at the lowest levels you are comfortable with inside your house.
• Don’t smoke in the house.

Formaldehyde levels should return to normal two years after the floors were installed, the CDC said.

If you do notice irritation or trouble breathing only while you are in your house, the report says to see a doctor, and get an air quality test done in your home to see if high levels of formaldehyde are the culprit.

“If the flooring has been in your home for less than two years, and you’re having symptoms of formaldehyde exposure that go away when you leave your house, professional air testing may be a good idea,” the report said. “When the results come in, you can talk with the professional about what to do next.”

Lumber Liquidators said it is offering free, independent air quality tests to customers.

“Lumber Liquidators has significantly strengthened our quality assurance procedures, from enhanced compliance protocols to product sample testing,” a company statement sent to Patch said.

“We remain committed to operating with integrity and delivering quality flooring to our customers.”