Are America’s Favorite Floors Going Away?

 "The Environmental Protection Agency proposed to designate five chemicals as High-Priority Substances for risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act on July 26, 2024. This means that these five – notably including vinyl chloride, a contributor to the February 2023 East Palestine train derailment’s toxic cloud – will be studied for their impact on human health and environmental hazards. Vinyl chloride is a key ingredient in one of the most widely-used (and fastest-growing) segments of the flooring industry: luxury vinyl tile, frequently dubbed LVT.

According to Floor Covering Weekly’s latest statistical report, (published in its July 2024 issue and shared with permission), LVT is the top selling non-carpet surface with a 27.6% market share and $9.42 billion in sales. Many building industry professionals are happy to make LVT available to homeowners seeking an affordable, attractive alternative to premium wood and ceramic offerings. Others avoid specifying and selling it – or caution clients about its potential downsides. 

Will LVT continue its remarkable growth trend, or will health concerns clip its wings sooner or later?" 

 copied from
 https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiegold/2024/10/15/are-americas-favorite-floors-going-away/

 

I suspect it is going to be like asbestos. 

Once again it seems to me that, profit outweighs protecting the American people.  I had a friend who put vinyl tiles down in her house and her one dog got sick and died.  

Was it the vinyl or as she thinks was it one of the dogs medications. 

It just seemed to coincide a couple months after the installation of the tile. 

It may or may not be responsible but why take the risk.  

Why isn't the epa stopping vinyl flooring in homes

  These are results 

The EPA has not banned vinyl flooring because it is generally regulated based on chemical emissions rather than total product bans, and many modern products meet existing indoor air quality standards. However, the agency is taking action on specific, harmful components used in its production.

Regulation of Components, Not Products: The EPA acts on specific toxic chemicals used in vinyl, such as ortho-phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A 2024 EPA draft risk evaluation found that diisononyl phthalate (DINP)—a plasticizer often used in vinyl flooring—poses risks to children (due to dust exposure) and workers, which could lead to future stricter regulations.

Industry Certifications & Standards: Many vinyl floors today meet FloorScore or GREENGUARD Gold standards, which regulate VOC emissions. These are often used by the EPA as benchmarks for indoor air quality.

Voluntary Retailer Actions: Instead of a federal ban, market pressure has forced changes. Major retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's committed to phasing out vinyl flooring containing phthalates in 2015.

The "Legacy" Problem: The primary concern is not just new flooring, but recycled vinyl content, which can introduce lead and cadmium from old products into new floors.

Long-Term Environmental Concerns: While not banning it, the EPA considers vinyl tough on the environment during production and disposal (landfills)

 What to Look For
To avoid high-VOC or low-quality vinyl, consumers are advised to select products that are certified "Phthalate-Free" and have third-party certifications like FloorScore to ensure low chemical emissions.