Many VOCs can cause headaches, eye, nose and throat irritation, and dizziness in the short-term, and some can cause more serious adverse health effects, such as cancer, reproductive toxicity and damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system.
Solid hardwood flooring is considered the safest and least toxic option as it's completely natural and free from any toxins. Solid hardwood floors are made of planks milled from a single piece of timber, which makes it a healthy flooring option.
The fumes from the polyurethane can be toxic and may cause eye and respiratory irritation. In addition, the fumes can be flammable and should not be exposed to any open flames or heat sources.
Formaldehyde exposure may potentially cause a variety of symptoms and adverse health effects, such as eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation, coughing, wheezing, and allergic reactions. Long-term exposure to high levels of formaldehyde has been associated with cancer in humans and laboratory animals.
Asbestos tile, on the vinyl's surface, can be any color or design. Beneath, ACM vinyl flooring sometimes has an oily or dark discoloration. Over time, oils in the asphalt added to the tiles seep out. Other conditions, such as mold, cause dark colors on tiling.
The Not-So-Good:
Bathroom– Water is hardwood flooring's arch nemesis. In the bathroom, there is almost always water coming from somewhere. Even if it's just by accident, water can easily get on the bathroom floor. If that floor happens to be hardwood, it can quickly be ruined.
They're a constant source of irritating dander, dust, fluff, fur, mildew, mold and pollen. Dust mites, especially, love carpet. As mentioned above, hardwood doesn't hide harmful particles, making for a healthier, safer living environment, especially for allergy sufferers.
Not Resistant to Humidty: Wood can be damaged by spills, standing liquids, and humidity which is why wood floors are not recommend for areas of high moisture and humidity such as full bathrooms.
The U.S. Green Building Council reports off-gassing of oil-based finishes can last for months or even years. Some lower-VOC, water-based products largely finish off-gassing within a few days." Still, "largely" finished means they're still off-gassing those toxic VOCs for who knows how long.
Generally, the sheet flooring itself does not contain asbestos. Prior to the 1980s, however, manufacturers would often incorporate a felt-like backing to provide a cushion underneath the flooring surface. This felt-like backing often contains very high concentrations of asbestos.
Health Risks of Formaldehyde in Laminate Flooring
Acute exposure to formaldehyde can cause several symptoms, including: Allergy-like symptoms: Eye, nose, and throat irritation are common ailments among allergy sufferers, but these symptoms may signal formaldehyde exposure if you recently installed laminate flooring.
Hardwood flooring, as well as pressed-wood, laminate wood, and bamboo wood are all classified as composite wood flooring that contains a hazardous chemical called Formaldehyde within its composition. Formaldehyde is a well-known VOC chemical that is commonly used in the manufacturing process of many household items.
Although levels of formaldehyde emissions from products like laminate flooring decrease over time, significant off-gassing may continue for months and even years. Significant off-gassing from laminate flooring can continue for months and even years.
Cheap wood flooring (and sometimes expensive wood floors) can give off formaldehyde, a volatile organic compound (VOC) which is classified as a carcinogen (chemical linked to cancer) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Quality, well-maintained carpet can last about 10 to 15 years, but typically needs to be replaced if it becomes worn out or stained. Conversely, hardwood flooring can withstand significantly more wear, tear and spills without needing to be replaced. Good quality hardwood floors can last a lifetime when well maintained.
For most people, the bedroom is a cozy sanctuary from the bustle and activity of the rest of the home. The softness, quiet, and warmth of carpet often make it the best flooring option for this private oasis.
Hardwood Is Easier to Clean and Maintain
Carpeting can trap dirt and dust, which makes it more difficult to clean. Even if you deep clean your carpet, dust and dirt can still linger within the fibers. Debris and spills stick out on your hardwood floors so you know when to clean them.
Let's face the facts: Floors need to breathe. In order to breathe, floors need breathable floor protection products that don't trap moisture so they can properly cure. Protecting hard surfaces on a job site is your top priority. Ram Board has surface protection solutions you can trust.
In order to prevent an excessive build-up of moist air in the underfloor space in a suspended timber floor, underfloor ventilation is necessary. An even distribution of vents will ensure the elimination of stagnant air pockets where moisture might accumulate.
Hardwood Flooring During the Humid Seasons
During the hotter and more humid months of the year, hardwood flooring will absorb moisture from the air, which causes it to expand and swell. The expansion of the boards can cause them to warp.
3. Walking barefoot on non-carpeted surfaces. Did you know that simply walking around on your living room hardwood floor can be incredibly damaging to the protective cushion of your foot. Hard surfaces lack shock absorption, meaning that the pads of your feet absorb the impact from every step you take.
In the same respect, most properly maintained hardwood floors can go anywhere from 20 to 30 years without needing any significant work done. Their longevity makes hardwood floors a great investment for any house. However, there will come a time when every hardwood floor will need to either be refinished or replaced.
How often can I refinish my floors? Depending on a floor's thickness and the experience of the flooring professional, a floor can be sanded around 4-6 times in its entire life. Hardwood floors can be refinished every 7-10 years, making the 4-6 refinishes more than enough.