CDC revises Lumber Liquidator test results

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Feb. 10 report indicating a “low risk” of cancer tied to tests of Lumber Liquidators’ laminate flooring products for formaldehyde emissions. It was elevated to an “estimated risk” on Feb. 18.

“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,” according to a statement from the CDC and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

“The CDC/ATSDR 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.”

The original report found:

?• Exposure to the low end of the modeled levels of formaldehyde in indoor air could cause increased frequency of asthma symptoms and other respiratory issues for people with asthma and COPD;

??• Exposure to the higher-end levels could result in eye, nose, and throat irritation for anyone; and

??• Low risk of cancer (2-9 cases per 100,000 people)

After correcting the measurement in the model, CDC/ATSDR has revised the possible health effects:

??• Exposure to the range of modeled levels of formaldehyde in indoor air could cause increased symptoms and other respiratory issues for people with asthma and COPD;

??• Exposure to the lowest modeled levels of formaldehyde could result in eye, nose, and throat irritation for anyone; and

??• The estimated risk of cancer is 6-30 cases per 100,000 people

“Our recommendations will likely remain the same,” according to the statement. “We strongly stress taking steps to reduce exposures, which should alleviate respiratory and eye, nose and throat irritation. These steps should also reduce the cancer risk.

For information, visit www.cdc.gov.