Austrian Laminate Flooring: Formaldehyde-Free Or Not?

Laminate flooring is made of a wood fiberboard core and a melamine plastic top with a printed image of wood. The fiberboard core is traditionally made with formaldehyde, but some brands now use a formaldehyde-free adhesive. Formaldehyde is a colourless gas that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, and trigger asthma attacks. It has been used in home products for decades, from certain types of wood flooring to detergents, paint, fabric, and wallpaper. While it occurs naturally, it is not always safe. The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer considers formaldehyde a human carcinogen.

Laminate flooring made in Austria is tested for formaldehyde emission and initial type testing for CE marking. The specialized division Flooring at Holzforschung Austria focuses on wooden and laminate flooring, performing tests for classification and initial type testing for CE marking. While some brands of laminate flooring are formaldehyde-free, most brands use formaldehyde. Formaldehyde levels in laminate flooring are now very low, and many laminate brands are GreenGuard Gold certified, meaning they off-gas no more than 0.0073 ppm formaldehyde.

Therefore, while laminate flooring made in Austria may contain formaldehyde, it is likely to be within safe limits.

Laminate flooring brands that are formaldehyde-free

Formaldehyde is a colourless gas that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, and trigger asthma attacks in sufferers. Long-term exposure to high levels of formaldehyde has been associated with cancer in humans and laboratory animals.

Formaldehyde is often used in home products, including certain types of wood flooring, detergents, paint, fabric, and wallpaper. While laminate flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners due to its affordability, easy maintenance, and wide range of styles, it traditionally contains formaldehyde, which can be released into the air and cause health issues.

However, there are now several brands of laminate flooring that are formaldehyde-free or have no added formaldehyde. Here are some of the top brands:

Mohawk

Mohawk, including the RevWood line, has stated that there is no added formaldehyde in their products. While this is not mentioned on their website, it is not listed on their Safety Data Sheet (SDS) where it is required by law. Their VOCs are extremely low, and all Mohawk floors have no added formaldehyde.

Pergo

Pergo is also owned by Mohawk and is formaldehyde-free.

Kahrs

Kahrs laminate flooring with an HDF core is also formaldehyde-free.

IKEA

IKEA has stated that they have removed formaldehyde from all products, including their laminate flooring, which is only available in Europe.

Newton

Newton is a leader in non-toxic home solutions, and their products have earned GREENGUARD Gold certification, confirming minimal VOC emissions and safe indoor air quality. They use water-based finishes and formaldehyde-free adhesives to reduce their environmental impact. Their Clearwater collection is made in Europe, GreenGuard Gold-certified as low-VOC, and rated for both residential and light commercial applications.

Mannington

Mannington's laminate flooring has earned FloorScore® certification, which guarantees low VOC emissions and meets strict indoor air quality standards. They also follow the NALFA LF-01 standard, including CARB compliance for formaldehyde emissions. Over 70% of their laminate flooring contains post-industrial recycled content, and they use water-based, low-VOC ink systems for their decorative layers.

Liberty Home

Liberty Home's laminate flooring has earned FloorScore certification for low VOC emissions and CARB compliance for formaldehyde safety. Their Independence line offers certified, non-toxic laminate flooring options that are 100% waterproof and have an AC4 durability rating, making them suitable for busy lifestyles and commercial wear.

Välinge and Lifecore

These brands of engineered wood say they don't add any formaldehyde-based glues to their products.

Wineo

Wineo's Purline Organic Flooring is made from bio-based polyurethane flooring, which is sourced from natural oils like castor oil and minerals. It is a safe alternative to vinyl sheet flooring, which has a strong off-gassing odour.

Marmoleum

Marmoleum is the only natural linoleum currently available for residential use in North America. It is made from linseed oil, binders, wood flour, limestone, and dry pigments, and has the Red-List Free label by The Living Building Challenge Declare Program, meaning it's free of added formaldehyde.

Earth Weave and Nature's Carpet

These brands offer wool carpet that contains no mothproofing and no other treatments. They do contain natural latex. Nature's Carpet also offers an option without natural latex in the backing.

DMI

DMI offers seagrass carpet that is untreated and contains only natural latex.

Toucan (Triforest)

Toucan (Triforest) is mentioned in the comments section of one source as a laminate flooring brand, and the author states that she doesn't know what's in it but to ask the company based on the possibilities mentioned in the article.

TuffCore

TuffCore is mentioned in the comments section of one source, and the author states that she can find no information about it online. She suggests asking the company for an SDS (Safety Data Sheet).

It's important to note that wood naturally contains formaldehyde, so even "formaldehyde-free" laminate may contain trace amounts. Additionally, "no added formaldehyde" does not mean that a product is completely formaldehyde-free, as it may still contain naturally occurring formaldehyde from wood.

Laminate flooring brands that contain formaldehyde

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homeowners due to its affordability, ease of maintenance, and wide range of styles. However, traditional laminate flooring can contain formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, which is released into the air as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Formaldehyde is a colourless, flammable gas with a strong smell, which can be quickly broken down in the air. While small amounts of formaldehyde are not harmful to most people, it can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin, and trigger asthma attacks. Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to certain types of cancers, including leukemia, and can create chronic conditions over time.

In 2015, an investigation by 60 Minutes found that Lumber Liquidators, a national chain, was selling laminate flooring containing dangerously high levels of formaldehyde. The company was ordered to pay a $36 million settlement as a result of a class-action lawsuit and agreed to pay an additional $33 million penalty to settle federal charges that it misled investors.

To protect yourself when buying laminate flooring, it is important to follow guidelines set by organizations like the EPA. Look for products that are labeled or stamped with compliance from organizations that check for safety, such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and California Air Resources Board Air Toxics Control Measure (CARB ATCM).

• Newton: Newton is a leader in non-toxic home solutions, emphasizing health, sustainability, and durability. Their products have earned GREENGUARD Gold certification, confirming minimal VOC emissions and safe indoor air quality. The Clearwater collection, made in Europe, features water-resistant wood and stone-look products, rated for residential and light commercial use.
• Mannington: Mannington is committed to health, sustainability, and quality in their laminate flooring. They have earned FloorScore certification, guaranteeing low VOC emissions, and meet CARB compliance for formaldehyde emissions. Over 70% of their laminate flooring contains post-industrial recycled content, and they use water-based, low-VOC ink systems.
• Liberty Home: Liberty Home combines eco-conscious design with quality craftsmanship, featuring FloorScore certification for low VOC emissions and CARB compliance for formaldehyde safety. Their Independence line offers 100% waterproof laminate that is durable, stylish, and environmentally friendly.

By choosing these certified, non-toxic laminate options, you can have both practicality and peace of mind, ensuring a healthy and safe environment for your family.

Laminate flooring brands that are GreenGuard Gold certified

Laminate flooring is often made with a formaldehyde binder in the HDF core, which can be a health concern. The GreenGuard Gold certification is a useful indicator of low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in products, including laminate flooring.

• Duravana from LL Flooring
• Traffic Master, A&A and MSI from Home Depot
• AquaGuard Laminate from Floor and Decor
• Optimax from Floor and Decor
• Shaw Laminate (GreenGuard certified, not GreenGuard Gold)
• RevWood from Mohawk
• Beaulieu Explorer
• TrafficMaster Silverton Oak
• TrafficMaster Hawks Edge Maple
• TrafficMaster Oak Knoll
• A&A Surfaces Trinity Barrington
• Krono Original White Marble
• Krono Original Oak Fortress Rochesta
• A&A Surfaces Trinity Mocha Waterproof
• MSI Cyndya Grove
• Krono Original Oak Milano Aurelia

It is important to note that while GreenGuard Gold certification ensures low formaldehyde levels, other factors such as construction type, finish, and underlayment can also impact off-gassing and overall VOC emissions. When choosing laminate flooring, it is recommended to consider both the brand and construction type to make an informed decision.

Laminate flooring brands that are FloorScore certified

Laminate flooring is a multi-layered composite of organic and synthetic materials. It is a durable and affordable alternative to wood flooring. While laminate flooring is susceptible to using chemically-laden materials in production, there are several brands that offer FloorScore-certified laminate flooring.

• Mannington: Their laminate flooring is FloorScore-certified for superior indoor air quality. Their products also offer impressive moisture resistance, with 72-hour spill protection. Mannington's laminate flooring is a great choice for busy households.
• TruCor: This brand has emerged as a leader in premium laminate flooring, focusing on durability and design. Their products feature a 20-mil wear layer and a 1.5mm IXPE pad, creating a total thickness of 7.0mm. TruCor's laminate flooring is an excellent option for demanding environments and active families.
• Mohawk: This industry leader combines traditional craftsmanship with advanced innovation. Their laminate flooring collection, TecWood, offers a lifetime residential warranty and a five-year warranty for light to medium commercial use. TecWood is a hybrid of laminate and engineered wood features, offering the best of both worlds.
• Shaw Industries: As the second-largest flooring company globally, Shaw offers a wide range of laminate flooring styles and colors. Their products are an excellent choice for high-traffic areas and provide superior durability and quality.
• AquaGuard: Exclusively sold by Floor & Decor, the AquaGuard laminate collection offers superior durability and water resistance. Their products carry an AC5 rating and come with a lifetime residential warranty and a 15-year light commercial warranty. AquaGuard is an excellent option for mudrooms and bathrooms.

When choosing laminate flooring, it is important to consider factors such as affordability, durability, water resistance, and style to find the best fit for your home. Additionally, look for products that are FloorScore-certified or have other certifications that ensure low emissions and superior indoor air quality.

Laminate flooring brands that are made in Austria

Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability and ease of installation. If you're specifically looking for laminate flooring brands made in Austria, here are some options to consider:

Kaindl: Kaindl is a well-known manufacturer of laminate flooring, with a presence in the US market. Based in Salzburg, Kaindl is recognised as a leader in innovative ideas and products within the flooring industry. They offer a range of laminate flooring options, including their Kaindl Floor House 3D Tour, which allows customers to visualise their products in a virtual setting.

Fr. Meyers Sohn (Schweiz) AG Fms Seaways AG Ch 8152 Opfikon: This company has a significant number of shipments matching laminate flooring, according to trade data. They are listed as an Austrian manufacturer and have a notable presence in the industry.

When choosing a laminate flooring brand, it is essential to consider factors such as quality, price, and availability in your region. Additionally, as laminate flooring is often associated with formaldehyde emissions, you may want to inquire about the brand's compliance with formaldehyde emission standards and choose products that are certified as safe.

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