Summary:
Vinyl Plank, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) are very low in volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and off-gassing (and one brand is even 0-VOC).
Most people find it odorless, but those like me with a high sense of smell can pick up a little bit of off-gassing in most brands.
But the bigger concern is about plasticizers (which all brands contain) and small amounts of metals, explained further in the article.
All luxury vinyl plank is phthalate-free now in the plastic – though phthalates were replaced with alternate plasticizers (and phthalates can still be found in the EVA foam backings, in some brands).
The most common plasticizer used now in the vinyl is Dioctyl Terephthalate (DOTP).
There is a huge difference between vinyl plank and sheet vinyl flooring.
Sheet vinyl, the very flexible kind that comes in large rolls is way higher in off-gassing. It’s one of the top products to avoid in a healthy home in my opinion.
Five things to look for in a non-toxic, or less toxic, vinyl plank flooring:
- Double-check to make sure it’s virgin (not recycled vinyl, which could contain contaminants like phthalates)
- You might prefer the 0-VOC lines over the extremely low-VOC lines (though I don’t, which I talk about in Substack)
- You might have a preference for SPC over WPC (for lower off-gassing)
- Check the underlayment, you may choose to avoid most cork (to lower off-gassing), and avoid EVA which often has phthalates
- You may wish to choose a line without antimicrobials
- Vinyl has aluminum in the top layer, that is unavoidable. The risk has been calculated here.
Mold preventative installation methods are covered here.
This article contains affiliate links, upon purchase I earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
I’m not covering the environmental impact of vinyl flooring in this post, though this is one of the most toxic products to produce, and the effects on the workers and environment are massive.
Toxicity of Vinyl Plank (as Opposed to Luxury Vinyl Plank)
Vinyl plank or resilient vinyl plank is a much thinner product than a luxury vinyl plank. It only has one layer (see photo below).
It’s more flexible than luxury vinyl plank (but not as flexible as vinyl that comes in a roll) and is installed by a glue-down method.
VOCs
This type of vinyl has less perceptible off-gassing of VOCs compared to LVP in my estimation, this is probably due to the fact that there is less of it!
I would certainly consider this an ultra-low VOC product.
Glues
But you do have to consider the glues used as a source of off-gassing (at least until it’s fully cured).
You will have to check which glues the brand recommends and will warranty it with but most of them are zero VOC when cured.
Phthalates
Phthalates are not intentionally added to any brand in the vinyl part that I know of, but if the brand uses recycled vinyl you could still see phthalates.
The problem with phthalates: “Some phthalates are harmful to reproduction, suspected of disrupting hormones in humans. Children’s exposure often surpasses adults’, exceeding safe intake levels significantly, sometimes up to 20-fold. Even at low levels, phthalates can disrupt vital bodily functions, especially in vulnerable groups like young children and fetuses. Early exposure is linked to asthma, allergies, cognitive issues, and reproductive problems in boys. In men, phthalates may reduce fertility. Evidence suggests they disrupt estrogenic activity, reproductive and liver function in animals and possibly in humans.” says Dr Manjunath, Toxicologist.
Toxicity of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) (and Luxury Vinyl Tile)
Luxury Vinyl Plank is thicker than vinyl plank, more rigid, has multiple layers, and is click-together.
It has a core (SPC or WPC), a vinyl wear layer, and often has an underlayment attached as well.
(It is sometimes called Engineered Vinyl Plank or “Rigid Vinyl Plank“. Luxury Vinyl Tile is the same thing but with a stone look.
(Note: LL Flooring’s “Luxury Vinyl Plank” actually does not have a SPC or WPC core, just a straight vinyl core, and it’s not quite as strong as the version with an SPC core.)
Let’s Look at The Chemical Composition of The Materials
SPC Core Vinyl Floors
Most of the luxury vinyl plank (LVP) click-together flooring has an SPC (stone polymer composite) core.
This is a mix of limestone, PVC, and plasticizer.
It’s low in off-gassing due to the high amount of limestone – it’s usually 60-80% limestone and the rest is PVC and plasticizer with no foaming agent.
(Look out for companies that call this a “limestone core” without mentioning the PVC/vinyl content -it’s still there).
It also contains some minor stabilizers and pigments (Pharos).
It is grey in color, very dense and rigid, and looks like the middle layer in these photos:
WPC Core Vinyl Floors
Only a few brands have WPC (wood plastic composite) – they were originally made with real wood or cork dust but now most of them don’t contain plant-based fibers.
The WPC core is usually made from PVC, limestone, plasticizers, a foaming agent (like formamide), and wood-like or wood materials such as wood flour or wood-like plasticizers.
The primary difference between most WPC and SPC core floors is that WPC contains a lighter extruded or foamed plastic core, while SPC contains a solid denser core with more limestone.
The Cali Vinyl Plus pictured below has a true WPC core that they call BPC (bamboo plastic composite) which is made with bamboo fibers.
I generally find SPC to be a little bit lower in odor and off-gassing than WPC, but it’s been variable (and the difference seems very minor).
Formamide comes with a Prop 65 label warning.
WPC is beige or yellow in color, less dense than SPC, and looks like this:
Underlayment of LVT
The underlayment is usually an integrated plastic layer, though some brands, like Coretec, have cork attached.
The cork adds a not insignificant amount of off-gassing in my opinion, however, it is going to be almost entirely blocked by the click-together system.
But for those extremely sensitive, the off-gassing from the cork gets into the other layers during storage, production, and transportation and comes up through the cracks and edges.
The foam underlayments are usually made from IXPE or EVA foam, though some of them smell a lot more like rubber to me and some of them have no perceptible off-gassing.
EVA can contain phthalates!
The underlayment often contains antimicrobials. Cali floors uses copper and zinc for example.
Wear Layer of Vinyl Floors
I have not found the thickness of the wear layer to affect the perceptible off-gassing much, though it’s possible that there is a minor difference there. (Thinner wear layers might be slightly lower off-gassing).
The wear layer is vinyl without the wood or limestone.
The top coating is a polyurethane with aluminum oxide cured under UV lights (so there is no off-gassing there).
The wear layer can contain antimicrobials.
Antimicrobials used in Vinyl Flooring
Some known antimicrobials used in luxury vinyl tile/plank include:
Poly hexamethylenediamine guanidine hydrochloride (PHMG), Nisin, silver (the most commonly used antibacterial agent) (source), Phenylthiourea derivatives, copper and cadmium complexes derived from thiourea compounds, zinc, zeolite (source), peptides and cationic compounds, ionic liquids, especially those containing imidazolium cations with long alkyl chains, ionic liquids, HdmimDMSIP and OOMmimPF6 (source).
Should you Consider Vinyl as a Safe Flooring Choice?
These floors can be considered by chemically sensitive folks.
Those who are super sensitive to wood odorants might consider LVP as the next choice after ruling out solid wood, engineered wood, tile, and polished concrete.
The VOCs are extremely low, with two brands carrying a 0-VOC line.
Please also consider that vinyl has a very high environmental cost. And even though my website focuses only on indoor air quality and the effects on the final user, with vinyl flooring I feel the environmental effect has to be mentioned.
All LVP (and LVT) brands are very similar, there are only six main differences outlined below:
Five Things to Ask (When Choosing Non-Toxic LVP Floors)
- Double-check to make sure it’s virgin (not recycled vinyl which could contain contaminants like phthalates)
- You might prefer the 0-VOC lines over the extremely low-VOC lines (though I talk about why I don’t in Substack)
- You might have a preference for SPC over WPC (for lower off-gassing)
- Check the underlayment, you may choose to avoid most cork (to lower off-gassing), and avoid EVA to avoid phthalates
- You may wish to choose a line without antimicrobials
Lowest Toxin Brands of Vinyl Plank:
- Shaw In the Grain Luxury Vinyl Plank Starting at $3.49 /sqft
- Virgin vinyl
- Phthalate-free
- Made in America
- Mohawk Discovery Ridge 6″ Rigid Core Vinyl Planks $4.59/sq ft
- Virgin vinyl
- Phthalate-free
- SPC core
- Made in America
- Cali Builders Choice $3.99/sqft
- Cali Windandsea High Tide 4.99 /sq ft
- Cali Vinyl PRO Mutestep $5.59 /sqft
- Cali Longboard $6.29 /sqft
- Virgin vinyl
- Phthalate-free, they use DOTP
- SPC core
- LL Flooring
- Phthalate-free
- Virgin vinyl
- Look for SPC core
Home Depot Brands
Out of the Home Depot brands, they all have low off-gassing as well, but are not all high quality in terms of the thickness of the floor and thickness of the wear layer.
Traffic Master, Lifeproof (underlayment odor was strong to me), Home Decorators are all very similar.
All of the Home Depot brands are phthalate-free.
Phthalate-Free Vinyl Flooring and Replacement Plasticizers
All brands sold at Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, LL Flooring are phthalate-free.
I have not seen any brand adding phthalates in the vinyl of luxury vinyl plank for years.
Though recycled vinyl could introduce phthalates.
An EVA foam backing layer could also contain phthalates.
All brands sold at Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, LL Flooring are phthalate-free.
Replacement plasticizers
The main replacement is DOTP (also called DEHT) which is used in all brands of LVP that I have seen, as well as some other types of vinyl flooring.
Dr. Mudgal, Toxicologist explains “ it is widely used as a safer alternative to traditional phthalates like DEHP. Studies and regulatory reviews, including those under the EU’s REACH framework, indicate that DOTP has a favorable safety profile.”
“It has been deemed suitable for use in sensitive applications, such as medical devices. While DOTP has been extensively tested for acute and chronic toxicity, its long-term environmental and health impacts remain a topic of ongoing research. There is general agreement that its widespread adoption requires continued monitoring to ensure safety over time.”
Based on what we know about DOTP it doesn’t have any known endocrine disruption effects like phthalates do.
They also claim that it is more stable in the material and doesn’t leach as much as phthalates. (DOTP makes up 8-23% of the product).
The Ecology Center cites concerns that plasticizers can still leach even if it’s not as much as phthalates and they caution against replacement chemicals like DOTP that are of similar chemical composition.
DOTP is not a bio-based plasticizer, despite Cali making this claim.
Other Plasticizers Used
Some may contain benzoate ester (in the Artistek LVT by Metroflor), I have seen tributyl citrate listed in a past Declare Label.
Toxic Metals in Vinyl Flooring
Aluminum is standard in the wear layer. The aluminum exposure from vinyl floors is calculated here.
Other metals in vinyl floors:
- Organotins (a form of tin) can be used in the top layer.
- Antimicrobials can be used, in the wear layer and/or in the underlayment. I have seen various types, including silver.
- EHN found the heavy metal cadmium recently in vinyl floors (probably recycled ones, they say). Cadmium can also be used as part of an antimicrobial.
- LL Flooring, Floor & Decor, and Shaw banned recycled vinyl to avoid the associated toxic contaminants like metals, phthalates and halogenated flame retardants. Most other brands are virgin vinyl now as well. Though LL Flooring lists Prop 65 warnings on many of their vinyl plank and luxury vinyl plank floorings for Lead, Cadmium and/or Antimony.
- Lead, cadmium, chromium, and mercury can be present and are only officially limited (not banned), as far as I have seen, by Floor & Decor. Though antimony, bromine, and lead have been mostly eliminated according to the latest study.
Off-gassing of VOCs in Vinyl Flooring
Sheet vinyl is much higher off-gassing than LVP.
Sheet vinyl can be in the 0.5 – 5 mg/m3 total VOC range, whereas vinyl click will be less than 0.5 mg/m3.
And it’s actually much less than 0.5mg/m3, though we don’t have exact numbers from any brand except for the two brands which have a 0-VOC line.
0-VOC Luxury Vinyl Plank
I have only seen two brands that claim to be 0-VOC which I discuss here.
Sealing in the VOCs and Semi-VOCs in Vinyl Flooring
You can seal in any odors as well as most of the plasticizer leaching with shellac.
I have tested shellac on various types of vinyl flooring. It has worked well on all the types that I have tried it on from sheet vinyl to a thick rigid LVP.
The downside is that shellac adds a shiny and less durable (to water) coating on the floor, which takes away from the more realistic wood/stone look and can show damage more easily.
You can remove the shellac later with alcohol (I used hand sanitizer), but the downside is that if you seal an LVP flooring that is click-together it’s difficult or nearly impossible to remove all of the shellac perfectly from within the grooves.
Formaldehyde-Free LVP Flooring
No brand of LVP/LVT or vinyl plank adds formaldehyde as far as I know.
Any brand advertising as formaldehyde-free is only stating the obvious which can in some cases be considered an inaccurate insinuation that other brands are adding formaldehyde.
GreenGuard or FloorScore Brands of Vinyl Plank (LVP)
The VOCs are so low in vinyl plank that they are far below any threshold of the green certifications.
No brand is going to be above GreenGuard Gold levels – therefore whether it’s certified or not does not matter to me.
FloorScore is not very useful to me in any situation, but it definitely doesn’t help differentiate between vinyl plank brands because none come close to the 0.5 limit.
None of the certifications include the measurement of plasticizers and metals, which are my main concern with vinyl plank flooring.
The Healthiest Alternatives to Vinyl Plank Flooring
Hybrid Flooring
Hybrid flooring has an SPC core and a real hardwood wear layer on top.
This has less off-gassing in my estimation than LVP, it gives you the feel of real wood on top, and I would expect that the real wood would block all or most of the plasticizers from leaching out (it also avoids having plasticizer as the top layer).
One brand is LL Flooring AquaSeal which comes with either a Bamboo or Oak real wood top layer and has an SPC core. There are other brands to check out in the engineered wood post.
Vinyl with a Concrete Based Core
Another twist on vinyl floors is X-core Connect by Mats Inc. This flooring has a vinyl top layer but the center is a concrete-based material. I have seen samples of this and in terms of health and off-gassing, I definitely thought it was an improvement over regular vinyl floors.
Engineered Wood
Most engineered wood is no VOC. Look for brands with a plywood or solid slat core. The UV cure polyurethane finishes are also zero-VOC.
Some brands have an oil-based finish and that is not bad either (ultra-low VOC).
Avoid brands with an HDF or MDF core. See the post on engineered wood floors to see the different types and brands.
Polyurethane Sheet Flooring
If you want glue-down planks or larger areas of sheet flooring, polyurethane is much safer than vinyl rolls. The brand picture is Wineo. It doesn’t have any off-gassing and doesn’t contain plasticizers.
I talk about it more in the post on RV flooring.
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is not zero-VOC but it is another option to consider that is very low-VOC.
My top brand is definitely Wickanders Wise as it’s far lower off-gassing than any other brand I have seen (most of them are actually high in off-gassing).
Corinne Segura is an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes. You can book a consult here.
Join the top Substack on healing from MCS and mold!
Mill
wow! very helpful. One concern I have is with micro and nano plastics shedding…I have zero plastics in my garden, for example. Other than zero or low VOC, what flooring has the least plastics shedding?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
there are a number of floors that are not plastic. The most obvious one would be real wood with a non-plastic coating. So you would avoid coatings like acrylic, poly-acrlic and polyurethane for a natural oil one or similar.
Erin
Do you recommend replacing the subfloor of LVP floors to reduce/remove any traces of chemicals or toxins left from the LVP floors?
And once LVP flooring is removed, are there any risks leftover in the home environment from it?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
which part are you referring to as the subfloor here
Erin
The plywood beneath. Especially if the floor was glued down.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I would not remove the plywood subfloor
Erin
Okay. Thanks for the reply.
Kim
I have Coretec LVP in my home. Is this a good flooring option? I have a bedroom that needs new flooring and I have concerns using this flooring after reading this article. Thank you!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
i mention coretec
KELLY GOMEZ
Do you have any opinions on DuraDecor Polished Pro LVP from Home Depot?
Kris
I recently heard spc wasnt good if its cut it can cause health issues is that correct?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I’m not sure if there is a building material that is safe to breath in when in dust form, just about everything in a home is harmful to breath in in dust form
Toni
Hi Corinne, I just wanted to thank you for your time and for the information you provided here. It is a lot. Although I didn’t understand it all on first read, It’s a great resource for someone like me who is trying to understand all of the considerations for flooring. With gratitude!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
You’re very welcome
Caterina
Hello! We installed CFL Flooring Matrix Ultimate High Density Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl flooring a couple months ago, and it is just floating over ceramic tile (no glue). I am concerned about the health implications of this brand in particular as I bought it for relatively inexpensive at Seconds & Surplus.
I think it has been affecting my h******s and o*******n as we have been trying to get p*****t and since the flooring has been installed I have noticed some alterations in my o******n. Are you familiar with this LVP brand and company? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Hi, I don’t know that brand, but you would have to compare it to the checklist I have in the post. They usually don’t have (known) end**rine disrupters now.
C
Hi Corinne! Thank you for this in depth article. Really appreciate what you do here on your website.
Been on quite the journey due to mold related illness. It’s alot and tiring as I am sure you understand. Right now, working on removing rug on second level flooring (in a hot/humid climate area) and replacing it with flooring. Porcelain Tile and LVP was recommended. Going to go the LVP route.
Of the brands you shared, have you personally used any of them? Are there any that would be considered safest for individuals with chemical sensitivies and mold illnesses?
And if you would avoid glue, what do you recommend then? Sidenote: I was told wood sealer for a second floor level.
I apologize for asking many questions. I’m trying to focus my attention on what makes the most sense at this point.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
The main focus of this post is what’s best for the chemically sensitive, brands and types. In terms of mold prevention the substack article on “mold preventative flooring” covers that.
Tomas
What underlayment do you recommend for LVP?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
see the article on non toxic underlayments
Cherie
What is your opinion about Puretech Planet friendly PVC flooring by Mohawk?
Cherie
I meant it’s PVC free… wondered if this is really a green product and if it’s any good
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2021/01/laminate-flooring-what-does-it-offgas.html
Penelope Franson
My landlord hired a contractor to take up old tiles in my apartment and replace with some kind of wood looking flooring. My concern is offgassing and other air quality from the new flooring & adhesives used. What do you recommend does not have any VOC’s dangerous for people with asthma, chemical sensitivity and sleep APNEA. I requested no VOC adhesives. What should I request flooring cannot have?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
the main flooring post called non-toxic flooring 2025 is an overview of all types and their VOC levels.
Jillian Rowe
This is a really helpful breakdown of non-toxic vinyl plank options! Have you come across any brands that balance affordability and low VOCs particularly well?
Greg
We were looking into installing Pergo in our home a few years ago. Our concerns at the time were VOC transmittance and moisture transmitted through the concrete floor slab and thereby leading to mold. The Home Depot contractor tested our 1st floor concrete slab and found it to have a high moisture level. After researching the issue, I found that commercial buildings often have a moisture test performed before approving a flooring product. If moisture is an issue, a solution is to apply a seal coat to the slab. This causes the moisture to be equalized within the concrete floor without leaching through the slab. After reading about the VOC issue and finding only one LVP that was 0 VOC we put the project on hold. Reasons: cost of seal coating and cost of 0 VOC flooring made the project cost prohibitive.
Lauren
Have you heard of “Cortec?” is this a brand you’d recommend?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Yes I know it last I checked most lines had a cork backing
Valerie Powell
Thank you very much for this article. I am in a off gassing situation where I need to replace old off gassing carpet. I did not know there were safer choices, I have multiple respiratory conditions and am very sensitive to odors. This information is what I needed. Can’t thank you enough.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
thank you, and you’re welcome
Sue Norcia
I just nearly died in an apartment last Spring. The place had airborne chaetomium and Aspergillus. However, of significance was the vinyl plank flooring. I wish I could put a photo here as it’s clear and alarming. If there’s moisture, mold will grow on the flooring- and no building especially in the SE is void of any humidity. Of particular concern is a ground floor. Moisture in the concrete created army green, yellow and white mold. My entire place was off gassing mold through that flooring. My feet would cramp and I’d experience dizziness. My dog had limb twitches. The place said it was okay and re-glued it down. Upon leaving, I had it tested and it was mold, ascospores and Aspergillus with an added lab classification of “unusual”. I learned that this story is not rare. In fact, an apartment in Apex, NC had the same and two dogs, and two adults all died in that unit and they found this issue in the vinyl planks at a new “luxury” complex. Everyone is using them and it’s a horrible situation which I believe hasn’t been tested and is impacting lives. This needs addressed urgently.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Yes I address vinyl on a slab or basement.
sue norcia
Thank you. I missed that. Great video and information!
I guess I’m worried that this stuff is being used everywhere now. I’m out of a place due to black mold and have been safely recovering in a hotel for 6 months. I cannot find a place which is not all plastic. No one is putting floors in anywhere of better, safer materials. When the sun heats up rooms, that plastic off gases even when it doesn’t smell – it can be felt. And breaking down those chemicals when mold is under them, to me it’s a disaster – I hate carpet but would prefer it to these floors. I just don’t see anyone outside of a place such as your blog who is even raising a red flag.
I will send photos to your email.
Thank you for your work. Your thorough content is of so much value to me ❤️
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Vinyl is usually fine for most people on an upper level
Susan
Should new LVP by either Shaw or Mohawk be safe enough on an upper level or can there be heavy metals in these products? I have a 6 year old in the home.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I talk about metals in the post, that is as much as I know about the current state of metals in LVP. Though apart from mercury they should be well bound in the plastic.
Sara
What’s your take on Inhaus SONO Eclipse line? There is not a ton of info out there on it. My concern is (any floating LVP) I live in a small place that has horrible ventilation…so high humidity in the summer and low in the fall/winter (90%).
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
i mention it in a couple of articles
Teresa Shubert
Corinne,
Oh, my goodness, I’m so glad I tripped upon your article – as I wasn’t even looking for it! I have been looking into LVP for a while now, and was almost ready to purchase a few weeks ago, but ‘circumstances’ held me back. It seems you have done a lot of research on the composition of various LVP’s and people like me are so thankful to you for it. I am Multiple Chemical Sensitive and my go-to is the EWG website, and now with information you have given me, I am better informed overall about LVP’s. I am glad you included a review of Home Depot’s Lifeproof line as well. Thanks again!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
you’re welcome!
DKI
Hi Corinne — just an update on Home Decorators LVP at Home Depot that your readers might want to know. Previous owner put it in my mom’s house some time between 2019 and 2023. Contacted Home Depot for info. The Home Decorators LVP is made from virgin vinyl material, so heavy metals like lead should not be a concern. Also, they do not contain PFAS. The floor has no smell either.
Product info here: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Home-Decorators-Collection-Pelican-Gray-12-MIL-x-7-in-W-x-48-in-L-Waterproof-Click-Lock-Luxury-Vinyl-Plank-Flooring-23-8-sq-ft-Case-PELICA7X48-5MM/309502877
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
thanks for sharing
Mary Dubreville
Hello, thank you for your very informative article. I really appreciate all the time it took to put that all together.
I have a question. When I went into the link for Cali Bamboo Vinyl Pro Mutestep, it brought me to Cali Floors Windansea High Tide LVP.
In that flooring it has listed a 1mm antibacterial pad. I now that it is under the flooring and probably would be fine once locked in. Is this a good choice for flooring or not.
Thank you for your time.
Mary
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
the antimicrobial is silver so it’s safe
Amy Jones
Hi, thank you for this incredibly helpful article! I am at a loss for basement flooring. I have two young children (3 & 1). My son has a lot of allergies including environmental so we likely avoiding carpet for that reason. LVP seems unhealthy with the awful plastics etc. Epoxy over concrete is not somewhere I want toddlers to play on. Any input would be SO greatly appreciated. I feel like any flooring I decide on will have issues one way or another. Hardwood, bamboo etc all not great options where potential flooding may happen. I am truly at a loss..
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I have a video with Cheryl Ciecko on Youtube about basement flooring. We both recommend polished concrete or tile, you can add large, breathable rugs
Catarina Foster
Hello. I’ve been looking at LVP flooring and want to use it for one room, but have read this post and other online critiques with interest so would like to use a sort that is less problematic for the environment. I’ve asked our independent flooring store rep about the most eco friendly LVP. They suggest either
1) Mohawk Puretech with hybrid instead of SPC core, or
2) a brand they have to order from CA called Provenza eco friendly LVP. The latter is more expensive band requires a wait, but that’s OK if needed.
Do you have an opinion on these 2? A preference? My partner and I are in our 60s but have small grandchildren running around our kitchen sometimes. Thanks!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
This article goes over what to look for in the best/healthiest LVPs. Puretech is a laminate, I talk about it in my article on laminate
Adam lieberman
Hi
Do you no longer reccomend Inhaus Sonos eclipse? I didn’t see it listed in the article and that’s what I bought for on plywood.
If I were to put tile on the concrete 1st floor slab would the grout lines need to be wider, so as to allow maximum moisture to escape? How do I set up a consult with you?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I still recommend Sonos, it’s not in the article because it’s not vinyl
Adam lieberman
Thank you
Xinyang Li
Quick queastion: If I have to choose between two floorings: Vinyl and normal carpet, which one is the best regarding their health issues? thanks
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
it depends on my priorities to avoid and how old the people in the house are but generally i would choose vinyl plank. I would never choose vinyl sheet.
Meredith Haines
Hi there,
Any chance you would be willing to re-run your comparisons to currently available products… but this time include Durato flooring in your comparisons? The website is duratousa.com and it’s my understanding that they’re one of the only products that is Proposition 65 compliant and is 0-VOCs as well. But I’m not sure how they compare to what’s recently been put in market since the date of this article.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
this artile is up to date, it’s updated frequently. most brands do not have a prop 65 warning. that one says LEED and Floorscore certified to be 0 VOC. those two certifications don’t certify something as 0-VOC so you’d have to dig more into what they mean by certified 0-VOC.
Adam Lieberman
I didn’t see you mention Inhaus Sonos eclipse. I think you mentioned it before and I did install it over plywood. Although I have mast cell and never feel well I think the Sonos eclipse is ok for me. Question: I have a concrete slab, if I were to install the Sonos eclipse over the slab, no vapor barrier or use a vapor barrier? I did already seal the concrete and that’s my floor now. Cheryl cierko told me the only thing that can go over a slab is real tile but we never discussed if the slab was to be sealed.
So should I go real tile (too expensive) or the Sonos eclipse (with or without a vapor barrier)? I could stick with the sealed concrete , it just looks bad and I wonder how long it will remain sealed as I used water based sealant. Thank you
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
if you did grind and seal it will last, water based is the norm there. I would not put sono eclipse over a slab see this article https://corinnesegura.substack.com/p/mold-preventative-flooring
Adam lieberman
Thank you, I’m just seeing your reply. I made a repost but asked a question about tile. Is tile definitely ok over a slab? And how wide should grout lines be to allow moisture to escape?
Do you still do consults? How do I “buy a cup of coffee” for you work?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Tile is good over a slab, no one has exact specs of how big tiles should be or how big grout lines should be but according to Cheryl regular sized tiles with regular grout lines work for drying. The underlayment needs to be breathable as well. consults yes.
Lucy
Hello Corinne!
Quick question. If our LVP has a SPC core and does have the antimicrobial underlayment – how long would the antimicrobial take to offgas and how ‘toxic’ is that component of it? Thank you! Lucy
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I list out the possible antimicrobials which are usually semi VOCs and some are not VOCs at all which means they don’t offgas.
Sally DiNovo
Corinne, thank you so much for this information. I am having my home replaced with Vinyl and carpet. I have chosen a Shaw carpet for my bedroom only because the original carpet in my home is Shaw and has lasted since 2004. I was about to purchase vinyl with cork backing thinking it would make a softer walking area. I did not know about VOC’s in vinyl and now know what products to look for. I believe you have saved me from making some huge mistakes. Now if you will come and help me choose colors it would be appreciated. LOL It’s all so overwhelming.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
i love choosing colors! haha
Yes take a look at the carpet post as well, and dont forget about choosing a low VOC underlayment and consider the glues (i would avoid glue down for sure)
Nate
Good afternoon Corinne! Great Article! I have a quick question about sealing up the off gassing. If I were to install a sheet vinyl floor and then immediately shellac it would that still seal in the off gassing and protect my wife and I from the toxic chemicals? Can I use a different floor wax like Quick Shine and achieve the same sealing effects as the shellac? Thank you for your help!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
i would not use sheet vinyl at all, it would be better to use the thin vinyl planks but yes shellac is quite a good block of offgassing. floor waxes are not.
Nate
Thank you for the information and quick response! Does Vinyl flooring ever off gas to the point where it’s not toxic anymore?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Yes the offgassing of VOCs and odors will stop, the outgassing and leaching of semi-VOCs like the plasticizers may never come to an end.
Paul
I found your article very educational. Thank you. Can you please let me know about McMillan Floors that is sold at The Flooring Factory.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
they are basically all the same if they meet the specs in the article (SPC, virgin vinyl etc)
Cesar S.
Hello Corrine,
My wife and I are currently looking into replacing our second floor carpet with Stainmaster Luxury Vinyl (6mm thk with underlayment) planks from Lowes but after reading post on the internet about people who smell outgassing from the product after install, we hesitated on following through and are looking for other types of toxin free flooring. Lowes did specify that it is Phtalate Free but I do not know if there will be outgassing and smell after install. Our master bedroom does become warm in the summer and has exposure to sunlight. Is there data on Stainmaster LVP regarding low in VOCs and outgassing smell?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
there are no exact numbers from any brand except the one that is 0-VOC. if someone is smelling offgassing, unless it’s someone ultra sensitive to plastic (they might pick up a bit of a plastic smell at first), then it’s probably the underlayment, new baseboards which are usually MDF or caulking along the baseboards.
Ninnie
Hi, good work on the article here… I am wondering about felt-back or textile-back vinyl sheet. These are harder, thinner and backed with felt. I was recommended them at the flooring shop (because perhaps the guy who installs the vinyl prefers the safer option?).
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I would never use vinyl sheet, too high in offgassing for me to use or to recommend to sensitive clients. It’s better to use the thin planks like those in this article. However when you say they are harder and thinner it sounds like youre describing vinyl planks not sheets which come in vey big rolls.
Shelly L.
Hi! I read your article and want to thank you for the very helpful information. However, one additional thing that I have been trying to research before making my LVP purchase is that of antimicrobial treatment. One brand in particular uses Microban, and they state that it is 100% safe. But I have pets and grandchildren that will be crawling on our floors, and my concern is whether it releases anything into the air from the start and/or when it begins to wear? In addition, whether there are any chemicals in the antimicrobial treatments that could be harmful if residue gets ingested? I’m assuming it would be such a minuscule amount, but it never hurts to be sure. Thank you!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
Unfortunately we don’t know which of the microban chemicals is used in LVP. It might be the one called microguard but they dont reveal what that chemical is
Paul
Would it be fair to summarize the article to say that all LVP floors sold today and made in North America are either low VOC or potentially zero VOC, have no phthalates, and today the main concern is plastecizers, which all SPC and WPC have, and if you go with LVP floors, you have no choice to this exposure? In other words, it doesn’t really matter what LVP floor you go with, as long as they are virgin material, your only major concern is the plasticizer since they all have it?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
yes the DOPT is the main concern
Maria
Hello Corinne,
I am hoping you can give me some insight as we had our flooring done Feb 2023 with Empire using their Bradstreet History Oak Anise which is also from LW mountain INC. I recently came upon an article about offgassing and it’s just causing me a great amount of anxiety due to the fact that I work and sleep in my bedroom 24/7 where the planks were installed. Can you please advise? Thank you
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I’m not able to review all the brands in the comments but if it’s an LVP you can compare it to the specs in the article
Stacy
Hi Corinne- So thankful for your site. Appreciate that you have all this info. I am healing from a condition called Topical Steroid Withdrawal, and right now dealing with a very long flare. In October, we began doing some reno using Benjamin Moore ‘Ben’ paint, used a small amount of Behr Marquix paint on one small wall in 2 rooms, installed Gaia White Series Elk Horn LVP flooring in one room upstairs in the Fall 2023, and then more recently in January 2024 downstairs where I spend most of my time and in a room across the hall from our bedroom. We also put in MDF molding from Home Depot in that room upstairs, and now in our small hallway and in that second bedroom where we put the LVP. We used DAP ALEX Fast Dry Caulk plus silicone “pain in 20 minutes” Caulking around the moulding. Since the beginning of March – this flare has been completely exacerbated. We also redid the sliding doors and used some wood glue by Gorilla Glue. Could any or all of this be causing this exacerbation? I looked to try and contact you for hiring as a consult but I see you are no longer doing them. Thanks so much in advance. Appreciate your reply. Trying to figure this out as its completely unbearable.
Stacy
Follow on question – sorry – and if I have my husband start removing what he’s put in already – should I not be here when he’s doing that as it could cause my symptoms to flare more if it’s breaking, etc while he’s taking it off? Thanks again.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
MDF is still offgassing, DAP caulk might be but i would expect it to be offgassed. im not able to look up that LVP brand and I dont know that line of Behr paint.
Stacy
Thanks for your super quick reply – just seeing it now! Gaia I believe is out of Canada, has the SPC limestone core and is supposed to be very low VOC. https://gaiafloor.com/elk-horn
Here is the Behr Marquee paint: https://www.behr.com/consumer/products/interior-paint-and-primer/behr-marquee-interior
Would the Benjamin Moore “Ben” paint be offgassed by now if one room was done in Oct 2023 and the most recent done in Jan 2024?
I bought a meter and it’s not showing any elevated levels of VOC but it does raise when I go near those areas with the molding from say TVOC 0.14, to 0.24. If I’m sensitive could that be enough to cause reaction?
Also when we take the molding out – should I not be here, or just wear a mask and stay away?
Thanks again.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
ben is offgassed, remove molding and caulking and see how you do. you shouldnt need to leave.
Stacy
You are amazing, so appreciate you and your help.
Stacy
Sorry one last one -Gorilla glue used on bedroom slider closet doors- basically on the whole side of each of the front facing out ward. Is that still an issue? Completed mid-February 2024. THANK YOU!!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
see the article on glues, that should be offgasssed
Jennifer
Hello,
If we do need to do a glue down because of how much LVP we need since its a huge area and don’t want to deal with the hassle of expansion joints or the floor moving as it did with lock down in our previous home, how long does it take to off gas?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
which glue? we generally don’t have the offgassing times of each product. i would do floating though.
Becky Nickins
Due to an ice storm, I was stuck inside with no ventilation during the install of Pergo luxury vinyl flooring. They cut the vinyl outside but had to remove our old tile and grout. After reading this, I cannot imagine what I’ve been exposed to during the entire process. I wish I could describe the way I feel…. it seems as if I can’t get a deep breath and I just feel nervous if that makes any sense at all. Also, I bought a light color (to my regret, never dreaming how hard it would be to keep clean. I’ve been told that Pergo brand is the best but I’m wondering the symptoms of being “gassed”. Thanks for your article….. I sure wish I had read it prior to purchasing my floor.
Corinne Segura
LVP usually has very little to no offgassing. I would look at if there is any construction dust left behind, dust from the tiles, was mold discovered during this remodel bc that sounds more like a mold reaction, also look at the underlayment, caulking, new baseboards if present, cleaning products used at the end. lastly if all of that is normal it’s possible to react to LVP, it would put you in the most sensitive category. You can seal it or sequester it if needed, see articles on those strategies on the site.
Ryan
From what Corinne communicates on this site, most of the potential risks from your Pergo LVP floor are from long term exposure. The plasticizers used now are safer and if they do cause problems it would likely take years to develop, more of a risk to children in the home. You sound like you are having symptoms of generalized anxiety. I wonder if just some time and airing out the house are not the best next steps. If it is anxiety then trying to hunt down all the potential causes of health issues in the home will make it worse.
Cassie
Hi! Wondering if you have any opinions on the Durvana by LL flooring? I just checked them out and was looking at the Engineered hardwood and saw the Durvana which is a hybrid floor with attached backing. I’m concerned for any hormone disrupters or toxic chemicals, environmental impact along with durability with pets and kids. Thank you! I am also looking at Shaw Carpets Pet proof Hard Play 2 line for other areas of the home, any optinions on those?
Corinne Segura
i talk about them in the post on laminate
Corinne Segura
also see the article on carpet
Cassie
Thank you! I just found the post. Looking at posts the Durvana looks like it chips bad too, so bummed cause I loved the samples, back to the drawing board. I also saw the post about Shaw, I actually emailed them cause I was concerned about their RX2 “treatment” and it’s PFAS free they said and it’s imbedded in the fibers? Do you know anything about that treatment? . The polyurethane backing is the only affordable options it looks like too, the polyethylene one is much more expensive. It’s been so frustrating! I didn’t see a mention of micro plastics being a concern with synthetic carpet, have you any opinions of that? I’m sending you a coffee, thanks for all this hard work and invaluable resource your provide.
Corinne Segura
Please comment on the post most related to the question nexttime. Yes synthetic carpets could break down into microplastics, so if youre avoiding all synthetic fabrics on your sofa, rugs, clothes, bedding, this would make sense to avoid as well.
Lisa
Hi Corinne,
I see that that the use of polished concrete in a basement, for example, is a safe option. But, can it be installed over an existing concrete surface and doesn’t the process of polishing it on site when you already are living in the home create fine particles that are dangerous to inhale and harmful to lungs?
Jeff Stewart
I begun to feel like I should just give up on having any flooring, on the assumption that the American government will allow everything to have toxic chemicals that will kill us. I guess I just need to have bare concrete floor.
Corinne Segura
Top choices would be wood, polished concrete, tiles, and Marmoleum. These could all be excellent, depending on what you are sensitive to and the construction details of the house.
Lar
Thank you Corinne, for your research!
I feel overwhelmed with the task to find a good solution for the flooring to replace the old carpet.
Do I understand correctly that the healthiest option between ANY rigid core luxury vinyl flooring and ceramic/porcelelan tile – would be the tile?
Could you please confirm that there is NO healthy rigid core luxury vinyl flooring available?
Again THANK YOU!!!
Sincerely,
New homeowner with number of health issues.
Corinne Segura
tile is definitely better, the article goes over what is in vinyl
Lar
Thank you, Corriene.
However, after reading- I feel there is no a safe plank… Maybe I am wrong…
Corinne Segura
that’s a reasonable conclusion
Dan Ray
deeply felt
homeowner
Oh PS, I wish it talked about installation ie glue vs float. float over underlayment, and if glued, what kinds/brands of glue are preferable.
Corinne Segura
i would only float
homeowner
Thank you for this, it was really helpful.
Re: Home Depot brands, you wrote “Out of the Home Depot brands, they all have low offgassing as well, but are not all high quality in terms of the thickness of the floor and thickness of the wear layer. Traffic Master, Lifeproof (underlayment odor was strong to me), Home Decorators are all very similar.”
the lifeproof stuff seems to be 6 to 7 mm thick and 22 mil wear layer so I think they’re comparable to the Shaw. But maybe that includes the underlayment? we’re installing over concrete but it’s got vapor barrier and 2″ foam underneath.
DonnaB
Hello, I just found your website and have a question concerning vinyl plank flooring – I had some installed in my kitchen, hall and bathroom the 1st week of October, It is now the 1st week of December and I feel like my allergies are out of control – consistent coughing, stuffy head, funny taste in my mouth (and some mouth sores) and overall just feeling lousy. This past week I’ve purchased a home purifier but I don’t know how long it will take if the floor is off putting gas. Also, I live in the northeast so it’s not a good time to have open windows. Should I have the flooring pulled up and removed? Any suggestions would help me a lot. Thanks.
Corinne Segura
check if the flooring has a cork backing, check if it was glued down, check if you have new baseboards made of MDF, check if they used caulking anywhere along the floor/baseboards. those are the things that are offgassing if present.
Corinne Segura
another question is if they found any mold when replacing the floor. if they disturbed any mold that could be a problems.
DonnaB
Don’t think it’s cork – I looked at the pieces that were left and it said isocore tech which is a black (think it’s plastic) strip on the bottom with the middle and then top layer. The flooring was made by LifeProof (and I’m pretty sure it said made in China on the box). They used my previous baseboards just cut them down to fit the tile under them. They did not glue them down. They did use some caulk but only in the bathroom I believe where the flooring abutted to the shower frame. They did not mention any mold but they did cut the plank flooring in the Kitchen instead of outside so there was gray grit all over.
Corinne Segura
the caulking will have offgassing, the level depends on what type. Vinyl flooring doesnt have much offgassing itself but there is a plastic odor that lasts a little while. you may want to check out the posts on remediating offgassing (new house smell or the one on sealing in offgassing).
Jane
Hi there! Thanks so much for this article. I am currently pregnant and redoing our basement and looking for a safe flooring option.
We have been considering Home Depot’s Malibu Planks. The website says this about the product:
Malibu Wide Plank Designer Rigid Core is phthalate and formaldehyde free and has achieved the highly coveted Floor Score certification which is the most recognized indoor air quality (IAQ) certification standard for flooring materials.
Would you consider this brand safe for our basement? Our plan would be to not move back into the house until a month or so after installation.
Would sincerely appreciate your advice! Thank you!
Corinne Segura
they are all phthalate and formaldehyde-free. This articles outlines the things you can look for that sent some apart.
Bee
Thank you so much for all of your helpful work here!
I have seen Microban advertised on some LVP lines and am wondering your thoughts. My gut says it’s no good! But would love your expert opinion…
Thanks again!
Corinne
it’s most likely to be silver
Bee
Gotcha! Is that a safe additive in your opinion?
Thanks again!
lisa
What do you feel is best flooring for a basement and laundry room tile. Tile is hard on my feet as I have neuropathy so I was going to go LVP, bamboo or Engineered wood? What brand would you suggest …I overwhelmed with choosing a safe flooring for my basement….and the environment. So I guess I will start first at the best flooring for my own home.
Corinne
For a basement my preferred flooring is one that is vapor permeable so that concrete can dry to the inside. that means polished concrete or tiles. you can add large rugs as long as they are vapor permeable as well. If the laundry room is on an upper level then tile is still the most ideal option in case there is a flood. But LVP and Marmoleum are good there as well as would be my next two choices.
Dee Cee
Have you analyzed Flooret LVP flooring?
BASA Polymer
i”m interested about resin floorings (basapolymer.com) do you have info about it?
Megan
Hi Corinne,
Wondering if Engineered hardwood is always impossible over slab flooring? (Due to potential for mold with the underlay)
Or does it depend on the type of climate you live in. Where I live is not super humid.
Corinne
Cheryl Ciecko recommends that if you are not going with tile or polished concrete that a liquid vapor barrier membrane is best. Also your slab has to not be taking on water from the outside.
Nate
Good afternoon Corinne! Great Article! I have a quick question about sealing up the off gassing. If I were to install a sheet vinyl floor and then immediately shellac it would that still seal in the off gassing and protect my wife and I from the toxic chemicals? Can I use a different floor wax like Quick Shine and achieve the same sealing effects as the shellac? Thank you for your help!
Cindy
Thank you so much for this informative article! Right before I moved into a new apartement, the landlord installed a new “luxury” vinyl bathroom floor–and more than a month later, I still can’t be home without developing significant chest pain and burning eyes. Cleaning the new floor repeatedly does nothing. If I open every window and door, the fumes dissipate quite a bit…but the instant I close any windows/doors (because it’s freezing outside at night, etc.), the fumes accumulate extremely fast. It’s a nightmare.
I didn’t want to “monkey” with the new floors but I need to do something so I’m able to live in my home. I have some questions about using shallac:
1. How many coats did you need to apply?
2. What kind of brush did you use to apply it?
3. In addition to the shellac at the link you sent, I noticed that the same company makes one called “Rust-Oleum® Zinsser® CLEAR B-I-N® Sealer” (and there’s even an “advanced” version of this one; not sure what makes it advanced.) https://www.homedepot.com/p/Zinsser-B-I-N-Advanced-5-gal-Clear-Synthetic-Shellac-Interior-Sealer-271461/205419232 Would this work even better? (I ask because “eliminating odors” is very different from sealing off toxic fumes, so I wasn’t 100% sure.)
Thank you for any guidance you can offer. I really appreciate it!
Corinne
I would use pure shellac, esp if you’re highly sensitive. 2-3 coats should do it. but be careful that you probably can’t remove it fully from the grooves in the future.
Cindy
THANK YOU! I have one brief follow-up question: In another article, you recommend Zinsser SealCoat Universal Sanding Sealer for sealing vinyl floor fumes. Between that one and the Bulls Eye Clear Shellac, is one better than the other? (I noticed that the sanding sealer is truly clear (vs. Bullseye, which has a slight yellow sheen), but other than that, I didn’t know if it would matter which one is used against vinyl floor offgassing. Does it matter? Thanks again.
Corinne
they will both work but you should consider mixing it yourself from flakes if severely sensitive. I mention this in some articles
Cindy
OK thank you!
Health Coach Nikki K
‘@Cindy : a LOT of Sealers contain chemicals that can cause other problems for your sensitivities. Since you said that opening Windows helps you by dissipating the Off Gassing, I’d recommend that you get a quality AIR Cleaner with a HEPA Filter and run it in your Bathroom Night and Day and keep the door closed when not using the Bathroom (could take Months!) That way, you do not have to “monkey” with the flooring and cause any problems with your Lease, and you will have a Good Filter to take with you whenever you decide to move again. Good thing the LVT is JUST in your Bathroom and not in your whole Apartment! GOD BLESS
Corinne
Running the bath fan 24-7 will likely be more effective than an air purifier.
Holly Thomas
what do you thin about Lifecore product for flooring with regards to health and safety.
also, I read that linoleum is a plant based product and is free of health risks….made from linseed oil …. can you comment
Corinne
I talk about linoleum in my main non toxic flooring post.
Lifecore H2OME WATERPROOF HARDWOOD FLOORING – it has a real wood top layer which sounds like it has the UV cured aluminum oxide finish on all sides but it’s not clear what the waterproof core is, could be SPC vinyl, could be a “waterproof” HDF or something else.
Christopher Trudeau
Hi,
Thank you for sharing this info!
We have luxury vinyl plank flooring.
What cleaning products do you recommend to use with vinyl?
I have been using white vinegar diluted water mixed with lemon sometimes, but maybe vinegar isn’t a good choice and breaks down the top layer of vinyl, therefore speeding up some off-gassing?
Any info on cleaning vinyl floors to avoid speeding up the breakdown of the flooring would be great.
Thanks!
Chris
Corinne
Diluted dish soap or all purpose cleaner from AFM or Branch Basics.
Leslie Warren
Great Information. Found it while searching for info on LVP over heated floors.
I’ve been seriously considering having the Schluter Ditra Duo Heat mats installed with LVP over top.
LVP is considered an “alternative” flooring by Schluter, as their system was primarily designed for tile flooring. I’m just wondering if heating vinyl might bring out toxins/off-gassing to a higher degree than if not heated.
Would love to hear your thoughts on this.
Corinne
heating always accelerates the offgassing but LVP has *extremely* low offgassing so I personally wouldn’t be worried about it but you may want to plan to have more ventilation during the first week or so, especially if you are sensitive.
Justin
Any words on the below PVC Free brand:
https://www.inhaussurfaces.com/
Layers:
– Excimer Cured Eir Lacquer Finish
– Polypropylene Film Wear Layer
– HD Direct to Core Digital Printing
– Electron Bonded Primer
– Mineral Powder & Polypropylene Composite Core
– Permanently Bonded Acoustical Underlayment
Corinne
I have a sample of sono eclipse on the way, it wasn’t easy to find until rather recently. I mention them in my general flooring post.
H
Any experience with Diamond brand LVP? Suggested underlayment? THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!
Corinne
You can compare any brand to the specs in the post. there is a separate post called non toxic underlayments.
RD
Hi Corinne,
Have you heard of Optimax Eco resilient flooring sold exclusively by Floor & Decor. It claims to be 100% PVC free, made of wood fiber. Wanted to get your thoughts on this, if you would consider this a safer alternative to Vinyl flooring?
https://www.flooranddecor.com/waterproof-vinyl/rainier-fog-eco-resilient-flooring-101015865.html
Top Surface: Transparent Techtanium Plus
Core: High Density Wood Based Fiberboard (HDF)
Bottom Layer: Wood Fiber Based Acoustic Underlayment
Thanks in advance!
RD
Corinne
that would be a laminate flooring. there’s an article on laminate
RD
Thanks Corinne! I will take a look at your article on laminate flooring.
So you would consider this close to laminate flooring? The attributes are more like LVP – waterproof, dent proof, scratch resistant etc ?
Corinne
This one is only 50% wood fibre in the main core as opposed to 75-80% so it might be wood fibre mixed with plastic (but not PVC so not a LVP flooring and still more like a laminate with something added). Below that is a fiberboard layer that is very susceptible to water though.
RD
Great post and very helpful!
If we dont stay in the house for a month after flooring do we still expect it to continue releasing plasticizers and VOC?
Thanks,
RD
RD
I meant is it safe to stay in the house after a month.
Corinne
Plasticizers will continue to come out for the life of the product. VOCs will come to a completion in time.
RD
Thanks for your reply!
Human
Aww hell no. This is Greenwashing 101 right here claiming there is any type of ‘safe’ vinyl flooring.
ALL vinyl flooring is toxic, and all vinyl flooring is made from fossil fuels which is the primary cause of global warming / climate change.
Stay far away from this crap in your house, and don’t trust ANYONE who claims that flooring made from fossil fuels is in any way safe, from how it’s produced to the environment that is affected during that time, to when it goes in someone’s home.
Marmoleum is a far better alternative, and don’t destroy the planet or offgas in people’s homes when installed. Want something that looks like wood? Source reclaimed wood flooring or solid bamboo. GreenBuildingSupply.com is a great place to check out actual healthy flooring options if you must replace yours.
Ask the folks in Ohio (or the tens of thousands of animals dying) how they feel about PVC burning…is this the industry you want to support (while claiming to be sustainable)?????
Corinne
The reason vinyl is so toxic to the environment is not because of the fossil fuels, that is just a small part. As I mention in the post: “I’m not covering the environmental impact of vinyl flooring in this post, though this is one of the most toxic products to produce, and the effects on the workers and environment are massive.”
My duty is to serve chemically sensitive folks, and this flooring works for many *extremely* sensitive folks. Many of them cannot tolerate any wood based flooring, certainly not “solid bamboo” which is bamboo pieces glued together with formaldehyde nor the linseed odor of Marmoleum. For some people they can only tolerate vinyl plank.
So that is the purpose of my website.
I don’t actually claim to be sustainable anywhere on my website. I claim to help people with indoor air quality especially the most extremely sensitive.
I don’t think vinyl plank flooring is a great idea, it’s not a floor I would choose (for the environmental effects primarily but also because of the plasticizers and I don’t like the plastic look) but for some it’s their only option.
My website gives information so people can make decisions about how products affect their indoor air quality and health.
Melinda Noone
Do not worry about comments made by ‘human’. He clearly didn’t read your disclaimer. That u r not phased by his histrionics impresses me more. Gives u good street cred. I’m in Australia and I installed vinyl planking (made in US) in 2016 so I’m hoping it was phalate free. Fingers crossed. I did not smell anything and yes I am one of those people with a highly sensitive sense if smell. We are so far behind the US in awareness of environmental toxins it truly is sad. Thank you so much for such a great article.
Corinne
You’re welcome
Tina
Have you looked into Proximity Mill’s LVP? It is supposed to have zero VOC’s. I am also considering Sono’s Solar Eclipse. I am a little concerned about negative reviews for Sono, but their Eclips line is supposed be better. Thank you for everything that you do for our community.
Maria
Hi, would you say that a vinyl plank with 36% recycled vinyl is absolutely not good?
Corinne
It likely contains contaminants from the old vinyl like I mention in the article. Whether it’s acceptable depends on who is using it (kids etc) and your own tolerance for risk.
Pat Heisel
Corrine – please advise if Eastern Flooring Company’s luxury vinyl plank is free of phthalates and good for someone with chemical sensitivities?
Than you.
Pat Heisel
Jeanette
Hi Corinne, thank you for all your research. Can you please tell me if the brand PURELUX in vinyl plank which is made in CHINA is safe to buy? I cannot find any information on whether its phthlalate free, formaldehyde free and whether its virgin vinyl……I am looking at the JOURNEY series in this PURELUX brand but Im nervous about it as its made in CHINA and is sold in ONTARIO Canada so im assuming there has to be some standards to be able to sell it here?
Would you be able to help at all with any information on this brand of flooing?
Thank you for any help in advance.
Corinne
You’ll have to ask the company if it’s not listed publicly.
Mike
I also see this in the Ontario area and I have called the company but they don’t know if it’s dilate free or what kind of plasticizer they use their unwilling to reach out to the manufacturer. they did tell me that they use virgin vinyl. I’m very wary of going with this company as nothing’s on their website and they don’t know their product they seem to just be selling stuff from China I don’t know. it’s sad because I’m also looking at purchasing this brand.
Wendy
Hi Jeanette,
I am looking at product from this company too, have you found out any additional information?
thanks,
Wendy
Sherri DeMarco
I was going to buy Happy feet vinyl plank flooring but now I am hesitant . Do you know anything about this product? I’m so confused. It’s built rite Willmington or Stone elegance Hollywood. Help
Corinne
you can compare any brand to the specs in this post.
shawnddd
Hello Corinne,
Appreciate all the hard work & for sharing your knowledge on the materials that make up our homes.
Could you help me understand the difference between the dangers posed by posed by phthalates compared to VOCs? Do I understand this correctly?
– VOCs are gaseous compounds that, if in flooring materials, will travel from the flooring material, potentially linger inside the living space, until it’s pushed outside the building envelope. No action/catalyst is needed to start this process & off gassing will continue until the source material runs out of their VOCs.
* You maybe able to wait out the VOCs but, no action necessary to ‘release’ VOCs & cause exposure?- Opposed to phthalates: in order to cause exposure some form of mechanical interaction needs to take place in order to have exposure?
*You have to touch/cut/grind to release the potentially dangerous material & cause exposure?
Thanks again for this resource!
Corinne
Phthalates are no longer used in vinyl plank but they leach out on their own and can be found in the dust in homes.
Vivian
Hi Corinne – thank you so much for all you do!! If I choose pthalates-free SPC floor, could I seal it with say 3 coats of shellac to avoid the leeching of the alternative plasticizer？And could I seal the laminate floor to avoid the voc? Really appreciate it!
Corinne
There are no studies of sealing in plasticizers but yes I suspect that that works. Shellac is shiny and not as durable as some other coatings, and not as durable as the vinyl or laminate of course. But do a test and you can see that it’s mostly removable (difficult in the grooves) and repairable by using alcohol. With laminate I would seal the HDF with Safeseal first before sealing the top. There are posts on sealing in offgassing.
ACV
I know you mention LVP not being best to install in basement due to the cement floor/moisture concerns , but what about houses built on a cement slab… Is it best to avoid LVP ion a cement slab? If so, what flooring option is best for home built on a slab? And secondary question, do you think crawlspace homes are better from a moisture /mold perspective and flooring options?
ACV
Just reread the article and saw my question answered. But I still have my second question … do you think from a moisture perspective, a crawl space is best ? And do you like LVP on wood subfloors ?
Maya
Hi Corine,
Thank you for the very interesting article. I learned a lot!
I was considering to buy vinyl flooring from LL flooring I saw the Prop 65 warnings about lead.
Should I be concerned since I have young kids?
Thank you very much for your reply.
Praneet
Have you possibly reviewed and deemed MSI Everlife (Andover series) as a safe LVP?
Praful
Hi
Is it safe to conclude that because of the unknown health impacts of plasticizers (DOTP), laminate is safer as long as it has low formaldehyde?
Thanks
Corinne
it’s a possible long term impact of DOTP with no real offgassing versus known short term offgassing and no long term impact
Matt
Hi Connie,
Thanks for all of the information on your website! I was hoping you could help me with a product from Floor And Decor called Aquaguard., They have a wood and bamboo option which seem to be using two different technologies and different ingredients. . I was leaning more towards the bamboo because of the look but I’d be open to either or if you thought one isn’t healthy. I was originally leaning towards LVP but saw these and was wondering if they’d be healthier. Here is the link to the bamboo option:
https://www.flooranddecor.com/aquaguard-bamboo
And here is a link to the engineered wood option:
https://www.flooranddecor.com/aquaguard-wood
Thank you!
Corinne
It’s called a hybrid floor, I talk about it in the post on engineered wood.
Praneet
Do you feel the Cali Bamboo Builders Choice is still a safe option? I am starting to read new studies suggesting DOTP is potentially dangerous as well…. any updated thoughts on this particular flooring selection? We are very torn but with another baby on the way we want to ensure we choose something relatively SAFE no matter what. Your article has been our bible!!!!
Corinne
All LVP has DOTP, I talk about it in the article.
Sarah
Thank you so much for this very informative article. I learned a lot.
I just purchased a new home and was highly recommended to get LVP. I wished I read your article before selecting LVP.
The LVP I chose is from Portek XL/BoulderPTP1224. I left a message on Portek website but I haven’t heard back yet.
Do you know any info on Portek products?
Appreciate your insights.
Corinne
Compare them to the specs in this post
Christi
Thanks for writing this very useful article. One item of note… You need to update the prices in the article. They are significantly more than you have listed.
Corinne
Thank you, just updated. Wow the pandemic really did a number on the prices.
Jenny
thank you for writing this!!
How long do the semi-VOCs off-gas for? Or if they don’t off-gas, how long does it stay unsafe?
Nino McDonald
Is there a site that lists the actual VOC levels in vinyl flooring? Mannington Adura has been mentioned on a few sites as having low VOC but they were not mentioned in your reporting as a top choice with low VOC.
Corinne
I’ve not found one brand of LVP that lists out the exact VOCs
KH
Are Republic Lions Creek Collection LVP floors phthalate free and formaldehyde free? Thank you in advance.
Camille
Hi Corinne,
Thanks so much for this in-depth article. It is so helpful! Have you heard of an SPC flooring company called Hawa Bamboo? My landlord just installed their product in our home and my husband swears it’s off gassing and wants it immediately removed. My son and I don’t smell anything even when we put our noses directly to the product. My husband didn’t trust the reassurance from the company that installed the floor that it’s safe. I can’t find any info online re the exact composition and safety of the product.
Thanks!
Corinne
No I haven’t seen that one. You can compare it to the specs in this post.
Gennetter Smith
Hi Corrine,
I’m a little bit confused. What do you mean compare it to the specs in the post?
I read the entire article and links and I don’t recall seeing specs for comparison.
Renee Russo
Hi Corinne,
WOW… what a wealth of information!!
Thank you SO much! I just purchased a 1970 mobile home, and will be replacing ALL of the flooring this summer. Your research will be saving me HOURS of time and confusion.
Again, very thorough and well-organized site.
Blessings!!
Renee
Corinne
You’re very welcome.
ethan
Thanks so much for your work Corinne!!
Apologies, I have a question which might be more difficult to answer. So, I just purchased my first home, finally in an area where the air quality is great. However, the flooring is luxury vinyl plank, and the only information I’ve been able to get is that it’s 10 years old (no idea what brand/if virgin/recycled,etc). From what I’ve searched on the web it appears vinyl floors continue to emit VOC’s their entire life-time (?) (but it seems hard to know how much/when?) and I’m worried I might be at risk, do you know if this is true? Or am I good?
(Ironically enough, I love the aesthetic of the flooring itself and if I were to replace it with hardwood may get the real wooden oak if so)
Julie
I cannot wrap my head around the fact that it is legal to sell flooring with known toxins/carcinogens!? Why is this still allowed??
ethan
Agreed!!!
Ria
Hello Corinne, I do appreciate all this info.
Have you done any research on the LL DURAVANA LVT HYBRID?
I’d love your feedback. I’m chemically sensitive as is my 17 year old.
Corinne
they seem to be obscuring what that is. I cannot tell from the website.
Jay Wolkoff
Hi Corinne, I was planning on asking the same question myself today when I noticed that Ria already started the discussion. I like the claims made by the company between its durability, water proofing, environmental standards, and of course being made of actual wood. Have you learned anything new since? Might it be worth reaching out to the company directly? If so are there any questions worth asking (I honestly wouldn’t know where to start).
I am better off than most, but still I struggle with mild to moderate chemical sensitivities and am just being mindful as I prepare to close and renovate a new condo. Thanks!
Corinne
It’s completely unclear what that flooring is. I have ordered a sample and will add it to the blog post when I see it. Hopefully I can tell what the layers are from the sample.
Corinne
I ordered samples and while this is a laminate flooring, it does not seem to have the usual HDF core. I suspect the core could be a mix of wood and plastic instead of wood and formaldehyde but no one from the company will answer my question about it.
Corinne
The core has polystyrene added to it which makes it more waterproof. I have added it to the laminate post https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2021/01/laminate-flooring-what-does-it-offgas.html
Ashley
Hi!
Great information.
Just curious – in your opinion which material is better overall, if you had to choose one of the 3:
Luxury Vinyl Plank, Laminate, or Carpet?
Thank you!!
Ashley
Julie
Hi, this site is so informative and I truly wished I had done my research prior to picking out my vinyl floors. We just got vinyl floors installed yesterday and the odor is incredibly strong. I have 2 kids and now very concerned. I went with S&G Carpet and their vinyl floors are from a private label called Calcore, which I can only browse their website and in that website, I cannot get a hold of anyone and neither can S&G. I am afraid I made a terrible mistake. Are there any self tests I can do to test the toxicity of these floors?
Lindsay
This is my fear with LVP! Did the smell eventually go away?
Nikki
Hi Corinne! I (and I think the whole community) appreciates the research you are doing and sharing you are providing for all of us. I’m new to all of this (so please forgive my ignorance) as we are buying our first home this summer and plan to rip up the carpet first and foremost. This is the first post I’ve found regarding chemicals with luxury vinyl and we are *highly* sensitive to and cognizant of chemicals (as we have young kids who are constantly playing down on the floor). Would a real wood floor result in much less chemical off-put than synthetic or do you perhaps have a post up about real wood? Any information you are able to provide is so greatly appreciated! Warmest Regards
Corinne
See https://corinnesegura.substack.com/p/mold-preventative-flooring
Julie
We are thinking about Provenza LVP Moda Living collection. By looking at the spec, I couldn’t figure out whether they are phthalates free. Could you please help me?
Corinne
They probably are, just be sure to ask them.
Amanda
Hi Cali floors are NOT pthalate OR formaldehyde free
Melanie Kocon
Thanks so much for sharing all of your research and experience! I appreciate your generosity in sharing it with us!!
I’ve read your comments about not putting non-breathable flooring materials over concrete basement floors. Would you make the same recommendation for basements that are not completely underground? Or are not completely covered by the same flooring materials?
We are in a very cold climate, so both tile and concrete are not ideal flooring for at least 1/2 of the year. We are considering floating vinyl plank flooring, so that we can easily remove/replace if there’s a problem with the flooring or between the flooring and the concrete. Can you offer suggestions or do you sell any sort of digital resource that can give guidance to help mitigate the possibility of mold developing between flooring and concrete? Or is a consult with you the best way to do this?
Also, do you have any resource that I could use to evaluate vinyl plank flooring options that are available in our local area (like a ebook with information and/or checklists)? I’m not looking for a freebie….I just don’t see anything in your store or in your list of resources that seems to fit this need. None of the options you list are available at our local hardware/home improvement stores so that we can smell, touch and see the options. I’d like to learn how to assess if a particular option is safe or not.
Corinne
This post has the checklist, there are very few differences between brands. For technical building science advice I would get in touch with Cheryl Ciecko.
MG
Is it wise to use a click type plank over a concrete floor if it is on top of a subfloor with insulation under it? Or is it still a problem with mold?
Are the hybrid plank flooring the click type and are they waterpfroof?
Thank you so very much,
MG Walsh
Corinne
Yes the hybrids still have the vinyl core so they are considered waterproof. I didn’t understand the question about the concerte floor on top of a subfloor.
Janet
Thanks for sharing your knowledge from your research.
What would be helpful is at the end of each review a pro and cons in application since no one product does all. I am trying to research to find healthy flooring for our main floor (concrete slab on ground) which includes the kitchen. We have an indoor garden that has leaked water on the floor twice in 6 yrs, but it only took once for it to damage our engineered wood floor, and have a backyard pool. We are older so do not want a stone floor. I didn’t really ascertain from this the level of water proof. So things like, pet friendly, water proof, good on concrete slab, UV sensitive, not as durable, etc. would be helpful.
God bless!
Trudy Crouch
Please Help. So nervous that the floors that I installed are toxic. My son 16 is very sensitive to just about everything.
I installed traffic master allure vinyl plank flooring.
From Home Depot.
Brushed Oak Taupe 4 ML
with the grip strip glue.
Yes it’s the cheaper version I don’t own the home I live in.. I thought getting the old carpet out of his room would be better.. I feel like a failure as a parent I just always worry why he is so sensitive to everything. This isn’t uncommon that he would be sneezing and be bothered I don’t know that has anything to do with the floor. your article was awesome You are a very smart person way over what I can understand. any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you have a great day
Corinne Segura
I havent seen the peel and stick so I don’t know how strong/the VOC level of that adhesive. Though almost all will be blocked by the vinyl itselt. It’s still posssible for someone really sensitive to react to what is coming up at the seams (if this is offgassing)
Louella
We are thinking of installing the home hardware espresso Shnier 6” x 36” vinyl flooring in our basement. Directly on the concrete floor. It is 10 mm thick, has an attached rubber under layer. Would really appreciate your opinion on this flooring cause we can’t seem to find much info on it. Thank you
Corinne
Review it against the specs to look for in this post.
Robert
I purchased lvp and sent it out for phthalates testing. It came back showing 1 was present out of 6 tested. (Di n oktyl) The level was .2% ppm. I know children toys are required to be .1%. The flooring is made with virgin vinyl with a stone core. Is this level something I should be concerned as I have a baby? Is it possible that the lvp would use more than one type phthalate that wasnt tested? Thank you.
Corinne
Very interesting and thanks for sharing. Can you share which brand that was, and it was newly bought it sounds like? Or you went out to buy a sample of the flooring you already had installed? There is one main plasticizer per floor, usually just one plasticizer either a phthalate or DOTP. Yes I would be concerned with phthalates and young kids.
Julie
Hi Robert, can you please tell me how you went about to test your floors? I just installed floors and thinking that was a mistake and want to test the toxicity level asap. Thank you!
Nilam
I am so confused now. Reading so many articles on low voc LVP.
We are thinking about renovating my Whole second floor including bedroom. Our sub floor is OSB. Now our contractor said OSB floor is not good for hardwood floor.
He said we have to consider the vinyl floor or carpet.
I am looking for low voc vinyl flooring.
Can you able to review on proximity mills flooring company?
Corinne
Brands are almost all the same, this post contains has the list of requirements to look for.
Jamie
Hi! Very helpful article. We just installed LVP in our home and I’m second guessing our decision. Can you
Please help me to understand the concerns of the plasctizers if they are not off gassing and not necessarily touching us or the food we consume. Thank you!
Corinne
They leach out as semi-VOCs.
Joel
Thank you for this amazing website! Since limestone naturally contains asbestos, my concern with vinyl floors would be sawing through the limestone in the core during installation. Have you heard of this being a potential issue?
Corinne
I believe asbestos is only possible in the Dolomite form. I don’t believe there is asbestos in calcium carbonate powder which is what is used in vinyl floors.
Ann
Found this article on one of the founders of Cali Bamboo and they mention bio-based plasticizers.
Thanks for all the info you provide us.
https://www.calibamboo.com/blog/cali-bamboos-jeff-goldberg-named-most-admired-ceo-2017/
Corinne
That is interesting. I have also seen them say it’s DOTP. So I really would like them to get their story straight. They can’t even email me to confirm and I’m advertising for them for free.
Corinne
OK so they have cleared up that they were referring to DOTP as bio-based. Which is not accurate and in my opinion is highly misleading but at least they have cleared that up.
Ann
I agree!
Lisa Wagner
The LVT floor care and warranty both highlight that no latex or rubber backed pads or mats should be used on the floor because of discoloration damage. This would also mean a similar risk of damage from lower cost rugs that are tufted (latex backed low quality handmade – about half the rugs sold today) and rugs that are machine made with rubber or glue backings.
This means most of the low end rugs being sold through Pottery Barn, West Elm, RH, and similar stores sourcing rugs from India or China can be a cause of discoloration damage on these floors. I can’t find any data on why these reactions are occurring and whether this means the flooring might be releasing anything that we should be concerned about. What I do know is that when a rug that’s less than $800 end up damaging a floor that also is cheap production like LVT but costs several thousand to replace, these are unhappy situations happening in homes right now. Thank you for your article as there is very little being shared about these new floors and their impact on our indoor environments.
Lindsay
I have LVP all throughout my house, and have a few tufted rugs (mostly safavieh brand). They have had zero effect on my floors!
traceyP
Hi, thanks for this information, There’s lots of talk out there about lifeproof flooring. I think its at Home Depot. we want to remove all our carpet upstairs (from orig bldr) as we have dust mite allergies. I just want to make sure we get the right flooring with low voc . Would lifeproof be acceptable? thanks
Corinne
Every brand can be assessed against the criteria in this post. I mention Lifeproof as well.
Allison
Hi, the new type of plasticizers you mention are they a health hazard to breath or do you mean not good for the environment. For example the Phalates you mention are endocrine disruptors but do those release into the air? Thank you!
Corinne
Phthalates and DOTP are both semi-volatile, not gas, more likely to come out into the dust. Phthalates are definitely a health hazard, and with DOTP is not yet determined. My blog is only about the effects on the end users of the product, as opposed to the environment.
Nancy Schell
We chose Shaw luxury Vinyl Plank for our new home. After reading info on this site, I’m really worried about our decision. Can you give me any input. We are in our 70’s if that makes any difference. Thank you. Nancy
Corinne
I wouldn’t worry about the plasticizers as much for older people. That is the opinion of chemists from sixclasses.org
Krishna
Hi Corrine – What about folks that are in their mid 50’s? I am replacing a cheap apartment installed carpet that I am having a severe reaction too, burning eyes, blurry vision, congestion, dry throat. The old carpet I had no issues with and it was 7 years old. This carpet and/or the padding must have high levels of formaldehyde am afraid. When I leave the room and go outside and to other places, my symptoms are resolved. Within 10 minutes of returning to my studio apartment (I have 2 air cleaners (1 is an Austin Healthmate +) and I’ve aired out the place for months & still have these allergic an issues s :-(. Am about to remove the carpet and the sheet vinyl they installed in the kitchen, hallway and bathroom at the same time they installed the carpet. I feel better when not on the carpet. It’s not the sheet vinyl that bothers me as an FYI. Have never had carpet issues before, and I do have allergies and asthma fyi. Maybe I should get linoleum or tile? Studio is 412 sq. ft. THANNK YOU :-)!
Corinne
Sheet vinyl is high in offgassing too, it’s good you’re removing it. Maybe the carpet is so overwhelming you don’t notice it. Definitely look through the posts on flooring and get some samples to see what suits you.
Melissa
Hi! Great article – our builder uses Cortec, are there any safe options from them we can use?
Corinne
See if they have some options without the cork backing.
rea
What is the issue with the cork backing?
THOMAS THOMPSON
Do you know if Lowe’s Tudor Oak LVP is a low in offgassing. Thanks for helping me.
Corinne
If it’s a LVP it is low in offgassing for sure. You can compare it to the specs on phthalates and other things to look for in the post but all of the LVP and LVT are very low in offgassing.
Rosemary
This article was very helpful. Thank you!
Bill
In this excellent article, you indicate that LVP and LVT are essentially the same product but with different looks (wood vs. stone). In the section where you identify the safer LV products, you include Shaw’s Grain Luxury Vinyl Plank. We’re interested in a stone look so are looking at LVT. Are Shaw’s LVT products as or close to as safe as their LVP products such as the Grain Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) you mention?
Chris Hecktor
Very helpful post about Non-Toxic Vinyl Plank Floor. It will help me in choosing the best one. Thanks for it.
Katie
Thank you , Corinne for bringing all this info together for us.
I’m about to install a heated electric floor (mats) under LVT. My sample flooring boards have no info about their composition so I will try contacting the companies armed with the info you gave me..
What additional off gassing or other health issues may arise from a heated bathroom floor?( it is a pretty small space).
Thanks!
Corinne
That will definitely bring out more of the offgassing odor but it will also speed up the offgassing.
Greta
Corrine, I wonder how long does offfgassing take? We will have underfloor heating and small kids in the house so worried about getting LVP..
Is marmoleum better health wise?
Many thanks, Greta
Corinne
There’s no data on offgassing of LVP. There is very little to begin with if you go with SPC and no cork backing. Marmoleum is healthier yeah for sure if you don’t mind linseed smell.
Joy
Home Depot has a new product “Malibu Wide Plank Designer Rigid Core (Luxury Vinyl).” Is this safe for a baby’s bedroom?
Corinne
The post goes over the few questions to ask about any LVP. You can plug in any brand into the checklist here.
Marlene Stark
Connie,
I have Corteq Blackstone Oak luxury vinyl in my home and
bought it again, stored in the garage (which I think you said was no good …off gassing
I was going to install it in my
other home in a couple of
weeks.
Now I’m very concerned for
VOC and I am health
conscious.
It was also said that’ I need to purchase an underlayment
before installing the Corteq
luxury vinyl flooring, which is additional gassing.. What
should I do?
Corinne
You have to check what they recommend, I don’t believe you add extra underlayment when it already has a cork underlayment and it could even void the warranty so be sure to check. If you’re adding one see the post on underlayments for non toxic options. As for the attached cork and offgassing that is up to you.
Anita Grapentien
Is vinyl Plank flooring from China safe?
Corinne
In my view yes, it’s the same as locations. American brands have quality control problems as well. I talk about it in the video that’s in this post.
Alex E
Hi Corinne – Thank your for the great info. What are your views on Laminated Flooring like RevWood Plus Vs. LVP such as CoreTech Elite?
Corinne
Coretec I talk about in this post. Laminate is discussed here https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2021/01/laminate-flooring-what-does-it-offgas.html
Robert Hogward
Thanks for very informative article! carpet tends to retain moisture, so how to make sure that my floor wont rot soon? 🙂
Laura Lewis
Hi, thank you very much for the amazing information. Do you have any information on Artisian Innova SPC LVP? It seems to be a “hot” product in our area and is lovely but I have no information on it. thanl you!
Corinne
Just ask them if it meets the requirements in the article. There are hundreds of brands now and most are similar.
Laura
Hi. I wanted to book an email consult but have a question. We have scheduled the installation of LVP for the upstairs of our home. We do not have sensitivities but I am concerned about products that may leach chemicals or might be harmful. If I give you the product and the materials data sheet they provided, are you able to view it and give me your thoughts on this specific flooring product that has already been selected? Thank you. Laura
Corinne
Sure, I can give my thoughts on an individual product, but the information won’t be anything more than what is in the article here.
Donald R Paladin
Are there any ceramic floating planks make with low/no voc base? I realize that breakage & being cold to the feet may be issues but off gassing of ceramic tiles is going to be much less of a problem. Of course, there would be the problem of binding the tile to the plank, so maybe this is not a reliable option.
Corinne
If you are looking for ceramic tiles that are floating, the best ones I have seen are the magnetic tiles here: https://www.mychemicalfreehouse.net/2021/04/zero-voc-flooring.html
Daltile also makes a click together ceramic but I would not consider the grout to be safe.
Michele
Hi
You mentioned that the Home Depot brands are Phthalate-free but do you happen to know if they are also Virgin vinyl? The Lifeproof brand specifically? Or if it’s green guard certified ? Did the off gassing eventually go away on the brand?… I’ve googled this stuff already but find it very hard to find reputable answers just random people in forums guessing… I think your website is literally a goldmine! All the information you put on here is above and beyond!… I was just reading the post with recommendations for rugs! Once we get new flooring I’ll definitely be getting some of those Lorena ones, so perfect! When I’m ready to purchase I’ll definitely use your link (hoping it’s an affiliate link cause you definitely deserve the commission for this in depth information)
Thank you for all the hard work and informative information!
Corinne
They are all way below Green guard levels, and all the brands are incredibly similar between brands so certifications wouldn’t help. There is no offical study on offgassing levels, I mention my thoughts on that in the post.
RandyO
They make a brand called Luxwood LVP, That is greenguard as well
https://floorcritics.com/tesoro-luxwood-vinyl-plank-review/
Corinne
Every LVP/LVT would meet greenguard gold offgassing limits, easily. It’s way below that.