Laminate flooring made by Lumber Liquidators were recently found to be carcinogenic by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Other experts claimed that flooring is not the only cancer-causing element in one's house because formaldehyde can be found in most building materials.
The CDC announced on Monday that people who bought the flooding made in China have greater chance of getting cancer. Back on Feb. 10, the CDC announced that the formaldehyde levels found in the laminate flooring sold by the company can cause two to nine cancer cases per 100,000 people. New data revealed that the more accurate figure is six to 30 cases.
Apart from cancer, those who purchased this flooring are also vulnerable to other health concerns such as asthma as well as eye, nose, and throat irritation. "We strongly stress taking steps to reduce exposures, which should alleviate respiratory and eye, nose and throat irritation. These steps should also reduce the cancer risk," the agency stated.
On their part, Lumber Liquidators said that CDC is exaggerating. The "revised 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 stated. Stock prices of Lumber Liquidators plummeted to $11.40 following the announcement.
In a related news, experts claimed that it is not only flooring that can cause cancer. Any furniture can be cancer-causing if it is made of pressed wood or has sealants. According to Dr. Khan Mayberry, cancer-causing chemicals are technically everywhere inside a house.
From furniture to carpet adhesive, paints to flame retardants, formaldehyde may be present, the doctor said. She said even cosmetics have this cancer-causing chemical. She added that "new car smell" can be a culprit of cancer diagnosis as well, largely due to formaldehyde too.