CPSC Investigates Lumber Liquidators Toxic Flooring Claims

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has launched a probe into whether some Lumber Liquidators’ flooring has dangerous levels of the cancer-causing chemical formaldehyde.

In a statement, CPSC Chair Elliot Kaye says the agency is “actively investigating laminate flooring products from Lumber Liquidators,” and that the company has thus far been cooperative.

Formaldehyde is commonly and safely used in the manufacture of laminate wood flooring, but it has to be used sparingly so that the chemical dissipates quickly. If an excess of formaldehyde is used, it can remain in the laminated wood and gradually be emitted over time. Prolonged, continued exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to numerous health problems ranging from nausea to increased cancer risk. Children are more susceptible than adults to the toxic effects of formaldehyde.

Lumber Liquidators has said their laminate flooring is safe and will continue to sell the Chinese-made product. According to Lumber Liquidators, because formaldehyde is a naturally occurring chemical, it’s going to be found in the home and in many household products, including its own laminate flooring. But the chemical breaks down over time and doesn’t accumulate in the environment or the body so it is of little risk.

Toxic Laminate Flooring Allegations

The CPSC announcement follows a recent news report by “60 Minutes,” which featured tests of Chinese-made laminate flooring sold by Lumber Liquidators exceeding standards for safe levels of formaldehyde set by California, the only state that has established such standards. “60 Minutes” claims that the cheap laminate flooring Lumber Liquidators sourced from suppliers in China contained more formaldehyde than its domestically sourced laminates and similar products sold by competitors. One Lumber Liquidators laminate flooring sample allegedly contained so much formaldehyde that the lab equipment could not measure it.

The news program’s report has prompted laminate flooring class action lawsuits accusing the company of false advertising due to statements on its website claiming that Lumber Liquidators and its suppliers comply with environmental requirements. One such flooring lawsuit was recently filed by a family in California, alleging that the company misled consumers in that state with labels declaring that flooring complied with California’s strict formaldehyde emission standards. The plaintiffs in the case are seeking class action status to include other Californians who purchased Lumber Liquidators laminate flooring.

Lumber Liquidators Flooring Lawsuits

As new laminate flooring lawsuits continue to be filed against Lumber Liquidators, one attorney in California has asked the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) to consolidate 10 Lumber Liquidators class action lawsuits before one federal court.

The judges may decide to establish a multidistrict litigation (MDL) to centralize the litigation, reduce duplicative discovery, avoid conflicting pretrial rulings from different judges, and serve the convenience of the parties.

If you purchased Lumber Liquidators laminate flooring, you may be entitled to compensation if your floors test positive for elevated levels of formaldehyde. In addition, if you or your loved ones (including pets) have symptoms related to the exposure of formaldehyde, or have been diagnosed with an illness, you may also be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering.

Join a Free Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you purchased laminate flooring from Lumber Liquidators, you may have a legal claim. Join a free class action lawsuit investigation to see if you qualify.

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