Is Pvc Flooring Safe

Pvc is one of the most environmentally hazardous consumer materials produced.

Is pvc flooring safe.

Most often used in construction pvc is a plastic composed of three elements. Interior designers and real estate professionals regard it as a superior flooring to sheet vinyl and laminate flooring but still considerably less prestigious than solid hardwood or porcelain tile. Vinyl plank flooring is offered in hundreds of colors and patterns from the major flooring manufacturers. Vinyl flooring can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.

Safety standards at vinyl manufacturing facilities have improved dramatically over the last 10 years. It is important to note some realities about vinyl flooring in 2015. Polyvinyl chloride is more often referred to by its less technical names pvc and vinyl. The good news is that among the brands armstrong and designer s image flooring had no phthalates detected so if you purchased these brands you re in good shape.

Vinyl on the other hand is a petroleum based synthetic product made from polyvinyl chloride pvc resin along with additives such as plasticizers stabilizers pigments and fillers. Luxury vinyl tile lvt flooring has recently become popular due to its durability price and unique looking surfaces. One must question if these surfaces are safe for children. Vinyl flooring is concerning because it is made up of processed material and contains chemicals.

However the act of recycling vinyl to be re used in flooring uses a lot of energy and also means you are running the risks of introducing contaminants into your flooring. Polysafe vinyl ranges provide sustainable slip resistance in compliance with hse guidelines. Carbon hydrogen and chlorine. In 2016 any vinyl flooring sold by home depot will be safe because home depot has pledged to stop selling flooring with phthalates by the end of 2015.

As well as potentially containing harmful contaminants recycled vinyl flooring breaks down sooner than 100 virgin vinyl and therefore needs replacing sooner. Developments with vinyl and particularly vinyl flooring have made the debate over dioxin much more nuanced to where many authorities in sustainable building take a less severe stance against it. While vinyl flooring continues to grow in popularity there are several serious environmental concerns about this resilient surface material.