Whereas nobody needs to put in flooring that exposes folks and pets to toxins, it will possibly take time to find out when a substance is poisonous. We all know rather more as we speak concerning the substances utilized in flooring than we did just some years in the past.
This information will show you how to use this elevated information of poisons in flooring to make a better-educated selection. Comply with present flooring traits with out placing your loved ones in danger with this information. You may really feel assured in figuring out that your new flooring will meet as we speak’s requirements for well being and security.
Selecting Non-Poisonous Flooring at a Look
Relating to choosing new flooring that may look nice with out exposing your family to toxins, there are a couple of particular practices to observe.
This listing will show you how to select more healthy flooring:
- Keep away from carpeting
- When putting in hardwood, search for FSC-certified wooden
- Pure linoleum or tile manufactured within the U.S. is greatest
- Look particularly for low-VOC flooring
- Keep away from using glue; set up with nails or a click-lock system
Risky natural compounds (VOC) are dangerous compounds that adversely have an effect on well being and well-being. They’re particularly hazardous in flooring as a result of VOCs have excessive vapor stress and low boiling factors.
Even at room temperature, these compounds can get launched into the air inside your house.
Need to know extra about VOCs? This video will help!
Look Nearer for Toxin-Free Flooring
There are a couple of totally different ways in which flooring poses hazards to human and animal well being. Whereas avoiding sealants and coatings with greater VOC counts will assist, there are extra issues to contemplate in in search of non-toxic flooring.
As an illustration, many flooring adhesives have a formaldehyde base. Keep away from these merchandise.
Did You Know? Vinyl flooring has chemical compounds that may intervene with regular hormone manufacturing.
Know Why Carpeting Is a Large No-No
You’ll by no means discover carpeting that comes near the security of non-toxic flooring. That’s as a result of carpet fibers entice airborne toxins. When the carpeting will get disrupted by stress and air currents, these toxins get re-released into the air.
Select the Most secure and Healthiest Flooring
Even in terms of onerous flooring surfaces, you’ll uncover that each possibility isn’t essentially the most effective by way of non-toxic flooring. As beforehand talked about, vinyl is one product that isn’t as wholesome as it might appear. Which flooring merchandise must you select?
Many shoppers flip to low-VOC bamboo flooring, which isn’t solely secure however sustainable and good the the atmosphere. For one, linoleum generally is a good selection for low-VOC flooring so long as you verify the adhesive. A formaldehyde-free adhesive ensures you gained’t carry dangerous chemical substances into your house with out realizing it.
Professional Tip: Ground tiles manufactured within the U.S. are secure to make use of as non-toxic flooring. Since these producers should adjust to authorities rules, you gained’t discover heavy VOCs in these merchandise.
Think about Sustainable Choices
Typically, the only option could be flooring made out of supplies present in nature. Bamboo flooring is a wonderful selection, and because it’s simply grown, it’s nearly a vast useful resource.
One other good selection is hardwood flooring. Search for FSC-certified wooden. The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) ensures each tree used for lumber will get changed. This makes FSC-certified flooring a extra sustainable building possibility along with its standing as non-toxic flooring.
Alternatively, many flooring producers use recycled or reclaimed wooden. Search for recycled wooden flooring that makes use of Inexperienced Seal #11. This sealant is water-based.
Use Glue Sparingly and Properly
Even should you purchase non-toxic flooring in your dwelling, the glue you employ might nonetheless comprise VOCs. Whereas glue producers ought to present this data on the labels, it’s safer to search for different options.
When shopping for low-VOC flooring, search for tiles or planks which have click-lock set up options. You may also use a nail gun or a standard hammer and nails. These choices are safer and can show you how to maintain extra toxins out of your house.
Maintain the Heavy Hitters out of Your Residence
You’ll have extra luck discovering low-VOC flooring if you realize that some flooring sorts are worse than others. Vinyl flooring, artificial carpeting, and laminates are the worst culprits. Keep away from these merchandise when in search of secure flooring in your dwelling.
Select higher non-toxic flooring merchandise to maintain your family safer. Along with preserving VOCs out of your house, pure flooring supplies will reduce indoor air air pollution.
For folks with seasonal allergy symptoms, getting new, environmentally pleasant flooring will help scale back signs and flare-ups. Whereas most individuals don’t take into consideration their flooring, the standard of flooring materials can play a significant function in controlling indoor air high quality.
Maintain an Eye on Wooden Stains
VOCs symbolize a hazard in lots of dwelling enchancment merchandise. Along with flooring and adhesives, VOCs are generally present in paint and wooden stains. Learn labels rigorously to make sure you purchase a wooden stain that meets your expectations for high quality and security.
Shield Your Beloved Ones With Low-VOC Flooring
When you’re aware of the small print on this information, you’ll have the data you have to make an knowledgeable shopping for resolution. You’ll be capable of select the flooring that’s safer for your loved ones and for the atmosphere in your native ecosystem.
You’ll additionally meet greater requirements earlier than the federal government mandates them. This may save on essential renovations since contractors will cost extra when there’s larger demand.
General, you’ll get pleasure from lovely flooring that’s safer for everybody. You may play in your new flooring along with your children and pets with out worrying about publicity to toxins. Breathe simpler with non-toxic flooring.