CDC underestimates possible health risk from laminate floors
Thirteen days after a public warning about formaldehyde-laden flooring, the agency says more people could be in jeopardy. And how is Lumber Liquidators managing its end of the crisis?
Call it a slip-up or a misstep.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revised its Feb. 10 report about serious respiratory ailments that may result from laminate flooring.
On Monday, the CDC posted a statement to address its flawed information:
Health risks of people who have the laminate flooring are being revised to reflect greater exposure to formaldehyde, which could cause eye, nose, and throat irritation for anyone. The estimated risk of cancer associated with exposure to the flooring increased…The indoor air model used an incorrect value for ceiling height. As a result, the health risks were calculated using airborne concentration estimates about three times lower than they should have been.
At room temperature, formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a strong odor. The compound is also found in glue, paints and insulation.
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