Lumber Liquidators Lawsuit Claims Excessive Formaldehyde Levels

Oakland, CA, July 23, 2014—Global Community Monitor filed a lawsuit against Lumber Liquidators claiming its Chinese-made laminate flooring emits excessive levels of formaldehyde.

Plaintiffs conducted more than 50 tests of Lumber Liquidators' Chinese-made laminate flooring and results showed average initial formaldehyde exposures over 100 times above the California threshold for toxic warning labels.

Formaldehyde is a common ingredient in the adhesive used to manufacture laminate and other pressed wood flooring products. After the initial installation, it is released as a gas that causes eye, nose and throat irritation. Long-term exposure can cause cancer in humans according to studies by both the federal government and the State of California.

“The allegations in this lawsuit concerning our product are simply flat-out false, Lumber Liquidators said in a press release issued Wednesday afternoon. “Our product meets relevant environmental standards and undergoes rigorous, independent, third party testing.

“More specifically, our internal testing and that conducted by third parties concluded that product levels fell well below the Proposition 65 ‘safe harbor’ limits. Further, Lumber Liquidators’ products are produced and independently tested to ensure compliance with the low emissions standards set by the California Air Resource Board. We apply these stringent California standards to products we sell nationwide.”

Global Community Monitor is a California based advocacy group that studies the impact of industrial pollution on health and the environment.