While no one wants to install flooring that exposes people and pets to toxins, it can take time to determine when a substance is toxic. We know much more today about the substances used in flooring than we did just a few years ago.
This guide will help you use that knowledge to make a better-educated choice, whether you’re considering bamboo flooring, hardwood, linoleum, or another option. Follow current flooring trends without putting your family at risk, and feel confident that your new flooring meets today’s standards for health and safety.
Choosing Non-Toxic Flooring at a Glance
When it comes to selecting new flooring that will look great without exposing your household to toxins, there are a few specific practices to follow.
This list will help you choose healthier flooring:
- Stay away from carpeting
- When installing hardwood, look for FSC-certified wood
- Natural linoleum or tile manufactured in the U.S. is best
- Look specifically for low-VOC flooring with verified test data
- Avoid the use of glue; install with nails or a click-lock system
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are harmful compounds that adversely affect health and well-being. They’re especially hazardous in flooring because VOCs have high vapor pressure and low boiling points, which means even at room temperature these compounds can release into the air inside your home.
Want to know more about VOCs? This video can help.
Look Closer for Toxin-Free Flooring
There are a few different ways flooring poses hazards to human and animal health. While avoiding sealants and coatings with higher VOC counts will help, there’s more to look at when shopping for non-toxic flooring.
Many flooring adhesives have a formaldehyde base. Avoid these products.
Why Carpeting Is a Big No-No
You will never find carpeting that comes close to the safety of non-toxic flooring. Carpet fibers trap airborne toxins, and when the carpeting gets disrupted by pressure and air currents, those toxins get re-released into the air. Hardwood, bamboo, and tile don’t have this problem.
Choose the Safest and Healthiest Flooring
Even among hard flooring surfaces, every option isn’t equally safe. As mentioned, vinyl is one product that isn’t as healthy as it may seem. Which flooring products should you choose?
Many customers turn to bamboo flooring as a low-VOC option that’s safe, sustainable, and good for the environment. Linoleum can also be a strong choice for low-VOC flooring as long as you check the adhesive. A formaldehyde-free adhesive ensures you won’t bring harmful chemicals into your home without realizing it.
When you’re evaluating any flooring brand for non-toxic claims, ask one question: do they have current third-party test data, or are they just printing “low-VOC” on the label? The label alone doesn’t mean much. Independent annual testing does. Ambient’s 20-year off-gassing test record is one example of what verified means in this category.
Consider Sustainable Options
Often, the best choice is flooring made from materials found in nature. Bamboo flooring is an excellent choice, and since it’s easily grown, it’s almost an unlimited resource.
Another good choice is hardwood flooring. Look for FSC-certified wood. The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) ensures every tree used for lumber gets replaced. This makes FSC-certified flooring a more sustainable construction option in addition to its status as non-toxic flooring.
Many flooring manufacturers also use recycled or reclaimed wood. Look for recycled wood flooring that uses Green Seal #11, a water-based sealant.
Use Glue Sparingly and Wisely
Even if you buy non-toxic flooring for your home, the glue you use could still contain VOCs. Glue manufacturers should provide this information on the labels, but it’s safer to look for low-VOC alternatives proactively.
When buying low-VOC flooring, look for tiles or planks with click-lock installation features. You can also use a nail gun or a traditional hammer and nails. These options are safer and help keep more toxins out of your home.
Keep the Heavy Hitters out of Your Home
You’ll have more luck finding low-VOC flooring if you know that some flooring types are worse than others. Vinyl flooring, synthetic carpeting, and laminates are the worst culprits. Avoid these products when looking for safe flooring for your home.
Choose better non-toxic flooring products to keep your household safer. In addition to keeping VOCs out of your home, natural flooring materials minimize indoor air pollution.
For people with seasonal allergies, getting new, environmentally friendly flooring can help reduce symptoms and flare-ups. While most people don’t think about their flooring, the quality of flooring material plays a major role in controlling indoor air quality.
Keep an Eye on Wood Stains
VOCs represent a danger in many home improvement products. Beyond flooring and adhesives, VOCs are commonly found in paint and wood stains. Read labels carefully to ensure you buy a wood stain that meets your expectations for quality and safety.
Protect Your Loved Ones With Low-VOC Flooring
Once you’re familiar with the details in this guide, you’ll have what you need to make an informed buying decision. You’ll be able to choose flooring that’s safer for your family and for the environment in your local ecosystem.
You’ll also meet higher standards before the government mandates them, which can save on necessary renovations down the line since contractors charge more when there’s greater demand.
Most importantly, you’ll enjoy beautiful flooring that’s safer for everyone. You can play on your new floor with your kids and pets without worrying about exposure to toxins. Breathe easier with non-toxic floors, and ask your flooring brand for the test data to back up the claim.
About the Author
Cheryl is our go-to guru for all things sustainable living. She’s on a mission to make your family and our planet thrive! With a heart as big as her passion for sustainability, Cheryl brings you the freshest insights on eco-friendly building products and energy efficiency. 🌱💡
And hey, did you hear about the eco-friendly lightbulb that went to therapy? It finally found its inner “enlightenment”! 😄 Join Cheryl on this green journey, where she’ll tackle your concerns with a smile and a sprinkle of eco-humor!