Chemicals used in flooring
Four of the Six Classes—PFAS, antimicrobials, phthalates and solvents—are commonly used in the manufacturing of flooring and flooring-related products, as are other recognized chemicals of concern such as formalde—a well-known VOC. Many of these chemicals can migrate out of products into air and dust, accumulating indoors and harming human and environmental health.10
PFAS
PFAS are sometimes referred to as highly fluorinated chemicals or PFCs. There are more than 3,000 PFAS-related compounds used across multiple industries for their stain and water repellency. In flooring, these can be found in some carpets, carpet cleaning products, and adhesives and sealants, among other products.11
Though PFAS are convenient for their use in consumer products and industrial applications, they can make their way from industrial plants to agricultural land and waterways. People can also be exposed to PFAS via consumer products in
their workplaces.
PFAS are associated with serious health problems such as kidney cancer, fertility issues, and hormone disruption, and they can persist in the environment indefinitely. Many flooring manufacturers have already phased out or have started the process of phasing out PFAS from their products, but because of the associated health risks, it is important to seek out PFAS-free flooring.
Antimicrobials
Antimicrobials are chemicals added to cleaning products, building materials, and high-touch surfaces to kill or inhibit the growth of microbes.
While manufacturers add antimicrobials to products to preserve them or to protect the health of users, research provides no evidence that they lead to health benefits. In fact, they could lead to the opposite by increasing microbial resistance.12 Antimicrobials are associated with health effects such as impaired hormone function, developmental and reproductive issues, and allergen sensitivity.
