while woman looks on
US government agencies have released a revised report on the health risks associated with formaldehyde in certain types of laminate flooring.
The new report corrects a previous error and reveals an increase in the estimated lifetime risk of cancers, including leukemias, for individuals who regularly breathe in formaldehyde from the flooring.
The report also suggests that irritation and breathing problems can result in anyone exposed to the flooring.
The report was compiled by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH).
About the report
On March 1, 2015, the CBS news program 60 Minutes reported that an American company, Lumber Liquidators®, was selling laminate wood flooring produced in China that released elevated levels of formaldehyde.
Based on this allegation, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) tested laminate flooring samples manufactured in China from 2012 to 2014 that were sold at Lumber Liquidators® stores. The CPSC then requested that the NCEH and ATSDR evaluate the test results for possible health effects.
The NCEH and ATSDR published a report detailing the possible health effects on February 10, 2016. But the report was pulled on February 19, 2016, after the agencies were informed that the report’s indoor air model incorporated an incorrect value for ceiling height.
As a result, the health risks were calculated using airborne concentration estimates about 3 times lower than they should have been.
Since the discovery of the error, the NCEH and ATSDR revised the value in the model, conducted a review of the revised results, and re-evaluated the possible health implications.
In addition, the revised report has been reviewed by outside experts and experts from the CPSC, the US Environmental Protection Agency, and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Results
The revised report concludes that irritation and breathing problems could occur in everyone exposed to formaldehyde in the tested flooring.
The previous report suggested such problems might only occur in sensitive groups (eg, children) and people with pre-existing health conditions (eg, asthma).
The new report also increased the estimated lifetime cancer risk from breathing the highest levels of formaldehyde from the affected flooring all day, every day for 2 years.
The previous estimate of lifetime cancer risk was 2 to 9 extra cases for every 100,000 people.
The new estimate is 6 to 30 extra cases per 100,000 people.
There is conflicting data regarding the types of cancers associated with formaldehyde exposure, but many studies have suggested that formaldehyde causes cancer of the nasopharynx, sinuses, and nasal cavity, as well as leukemia, particularly myeloid leukemia.
Recommendations
Although the revised report shows an increase in health risks associated with the flooring, the NCEH and ATSDR said their recommendations remain the same.
They recommend that people with the affected flooring:
- Reduce their exposure to formaldehyde in their homes by opening windows, running exhaust fans, avoiding use of other products containing formaldehyde, etc.
- See a doctor for ongoing health symptoms such as breathing problems or irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat
- Weigh the pros and cons of professional air testing
- Consult a professional before removing the flooring, as removing it may release more formaldehyde into the home.
