Certain flooring companies have recently come under fire for selling flooring that contains harmful levels of hazardous chemicals, most notably formaldehyde. You don't need a PhD in chemistry to know that these volatile compounds are bad for you and your family, but what's a little less clear is how to make sure you don't run into this problem without knowing it.    

What's the Problem?

Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound that has been demonstrated to be carcinogenic in case of long term exposure in rats and has been designated a probable human carcinogen by the FDA. "Volatile," in this case, means formaldehyde evaporates readily at room temperature. This means that liquid formaldehyde that could be lurking in your floors is slowly released from contaminated flooring over the course of months or years, which can wreak havoc on your health if left unchecked.

Where It's Sourced

Flooring linked to formaldehyde exposure has often been demonstrated to have come from China, based on several reports and the precautions of some of the nation's largest retailers. All countries have different standards for which and how much of certain chemicals can make it into consumer products, and it is this discrepancy that birthed the current formaldehyde scandal, along with the limited industrial transparency present in other countries. 

How to Avoid It

Since it has been demonstrated that flooring produced overseas has the potential to contain high levels of harmful chemicals, the solution then is simple: buy American! There are endless reasons to buy any product made in the USA, from keeping your money local to getting more bang for your buck. Add to this the fact that flooring that's been made in America legally must conform to American production (OSHA) standards, and you end up protecting your family as well as your wallet and your community. For even more points, look for flooring that's been made in your region or state for a unique sense of hometown pride, and even buying from a regional dealer will help protect the same values as generally buying American.  

Formaldehyde in your home is no laughing matter and has the potential to cause major health problems for you and your family in the long run. For this reason, it's important to do everything you can to avoid this lurking home danger. Thankfully, the most painless way you can keep these chemicals out of your home is by simply not bringing them in, and instead buying quality, American-made flooring that's been made to stringent federal guidelines. Contact a local outlet, such as those found through http://www.nationalcarpetmilloutlet.com, for further assistance.