July 02, 2024
Is Luxury Vinyl Plank Toxic?
by Lauren Jones
If you are planning a renovation, you may have considered LVP. LVP has been a popular option for homeowners due to its low cost and relative durability, but there are drawbacks you should be wary of. Is LVP toxic? Absolutely.
What is LVP and How is it Made?
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is made from polyvinyl chloride, a known carcinogen (cancer-causing chemical), and topped with a layer that can mimic the look of stone or wood with a clear top coat to prevent dents and scratches. The benefits of its look, ease of installation, and affordability are alluring yet the dangers of it should be more than enough to make anyone steer clear.
A lot of vinyl flooring is manufactured in China in overcrowded factories. To produce PVC, chlorine is first made using mercury, a chemical which is then released and accumulates into the atmosphere, not only harming the planet but factory workers. Lead can also be added to PVC for stability but with one pro comes many cons as it will leach into drinking water. Asbestos can also be added. Studies have found that the production of PVC is linked to headaches, asthma, cancer, kidney and liver damage, and more, yet 40 million tons are produced annually.
PVC is one of the most common plastics but the most environmentally destructive from its production to its disposal. In fact, the EPA is currently looking into banning vinyl chloride, the main ingredient in LVP flooring.
You Purchased LVP, Now What?
If your home currently has LVP flooring or you installed LVP without considering the health risks, it’s time to face the facts. We spend 90 percent of our time indoors, so our built environments have a significant impact on overall health. Sustainable design and green building strategies are key in keeping you and your family safe.
Instead of plastic-based flooring, which will off-gas chemicals during installation and for years to come, opt for safer flooring options such as our European-made engineered hardwood floors and real-wood waterproof floors.
Rebels to the Rescue
Instead of toxic LVP, check out our Rebels family – the anti-wood floor, wood floors. 3 to 5 times stronger than traditional hardwoods, they're the most durable hardwood floors in the world. They're also dent-proof, scratch-proof, pet- and kid-friendly, and can even deal with standing water for more than 24 hours. With the Rebels, you don’t have to worry about an overflowing bathtub, messy kids crafts, or muddy paws.
Healthy Floors for a Lifetime
The Rebels are GreenGuard Gold certified, meaning they are held to the highest standards for VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions. They don’t produce any dangerous chemicals, and in fact, will help keep your air clean. According to the EPA, hardwood floors are hypoallergenic because they won’t hold onto pesticides or anything you could bring in from outside. For those with allergies, autoimmune conditions, or just want a more beautiful looking floor, waterproof wood floors are the way to go.
