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Can Hardwood Floors Make You Sick?

Writer John Campbell

Is hardwood flooring toxic?

Formaldehyde, a toxic chemical, is found in all types of composite wood flooring, including hardwood, pressed wood, laminate wood, and bamboo wood. As a well-known volatile organic compound (VOC), formaldehyde is commonly used in the manufacturing of many household products.

Can flooring make you sick?

Formaldehyde gas, a volatile organic chemical (VOC) that can pollute indoor air and cause discomfort or illness in people who live or work in environments that contain the flooring, was released in high concentrations from these Chinese-made products.

Do all wood floors have formaldehyde?

Floors Made of Solid WoodConcerns about formaldehyde in glues that bind some engineered floors can be alleviated by using solid unfinished wood flooring. (There is a small amount of formaldehyde naturally occurring in wood.)

Do hardwood floors emit VOCs?

The natural state of solid hardwood floors emits very little if any volatile organic compounds (VOC). Everything comes down to the finish and how it is applied.

What flooring is not toxic?

Because solid hardwood flooring is completely natural and free of toxins, it’s considered to be the safest and least toxic option. A single piece of timber is used to mill the planks of solid hardwood flooring.