Company sued for selling formaldehyde-releasing floors

Class-action lawsuits allege Lumber Liquidators sold flooring that contained dangerous chemical

The laminate flooring in question allegedly released
formaldehyde, which can affect people's health and well-being.

Los Angeles, CA -- It’s bad enough to be facing a parade of lawsuits ranging from allegations of stock price affectations to defective products. However, when Anderson Cooper and the venerable 60 Minutes comes knocking at your door, you know you’re not going to have a good day.

Such are the issues facing Lumber Liquidators, a US vendor of Chinese flooring products that are alleged to have not only failed California’s so-called CARB-2 safety standards, plaintiffs also claim levels of formaldehyde in the products exceed safe limits by serious margins.

The issue takes on greater significance given the adoption of the California Air Resource Board Phase 2 (CARB-2) emissions standard for formaldehyde in manufactured products as the US standard several years ago, which finally comes into effect nationwide later this year.

According to the report aired on 60 Minutes, glue used in the production of laminate flooring can sometimes contain formaldehyde. In low levels it’s not considered a problem, especially when the formaldehyde is encased in the product, preventing emissions from escaping into the air.

The problem with Lumber Liquidators Flooring formaldehyde, according to the allegations, is that a greater level of formaldehyde is used in the production of products for Lumber Liquidators, in an effort to keep costs down.

Such a high level of formaldehyde, according to environmental experts interviewed by CBS News for 60 Minutes, can succeed in escaping from the product into the air, making homeowners ill.

That’s the allegation carried in a Lumber Liquidators Defective Flooring Class Action Lawsuit filed by John and Tracie-Linn Tyrrell in federal court in California March 5.

Customer suffered health effects after floor installation

According to the Richmond Times Dispatch (3/5/15), John Tyrrell began experiencing symptoms that include extreme shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, and incessant coughing and sneezing shortly after he and his son-in-law installed the laminate flooring.

“Despite repeated medical tests, his doctors have not been able to identify the cause of these symptoms,” the lawsuit claims.

The proposed class action seeks to represent any consumer who purchased Chinese flooring products from Lumber Liquidators in the last four years. They seek re-imbursement for the material and installation, as well as unspecified damages.

The lawsuit also seeks to force Lumber Liquidators’s hand by having an injunction granted, preventing the company from selling the allegedly defective products.

“Based on lawsuits, articles and blog posts, [Lumber Liquidators] knew or should have known that its laminate wood flooring products were not compliant with [California emissions] standards,” the lawsuit said.

“Despite this knowledge, defendant failed to reformulate its flooring products so that they are compliant or to disclose to consumers that these products emit unlawful levels of formaldehyde.”

Lumber Liquidators, according to the Dispatch report, is “currently reviewing the allegations contained in this lawsuit,” the company said.

“It appears that many of the claims mimic contentions raised in a separate suit that was filed by a law firm that also represents a short-seller, which looks to benefit from decreases in our stock price, in another action against us. We believe in the safety of our products and intend to defend this suit vigorously.”

Out of 31 samples of Chinese flooring products imported by Lumber Liquidators independently tested by 60 Minutes at two certified testing labs, all but one sample presented with seriously high levels of formaldehyde that exceeded state and pending federal guidelines.

Upon dispatching reporters to the manufacturing facility in China, 60 Minutes was told the facility had the capability of manufacturing to the CARB-2 standard, but switched to cheaper manufacturing methods that utilized higher levels of formaldehyde in the wood glue for products manufactured for Lumber Liquidators.

Officials of the manufacturing facility also admitted to 60 Minutes reporters using a hidden camera that products were improperly labeled as CARB-2 compliant, or so it is alleged.

In a filing, Lumber Liquidators said “we believe that ‘60 Minutes’ used an improper test method in its reporting that is not included in California regulations and does not measure a product according to how it is actually used by consumers. We stand by every single plank of wood and laminate we sell all around the country.”

The case is John Tyrrell et al v. Lumber Liquidators Inc., Case No. 2:2015cv01615, California Central District Court.

Source: LawyersandSettlements.com

Concerned about chemical exposure at work? Electrocorp offers a wide range of indoor air cleaners with activated carbon and HEPA that can effectively remove airborne chemicals (including formaldehyde, benzene and TCE), particles, odors, fumes, allergens, dust, bacteria, viruses and mold. Contact Electrocorp for a free consultation by calling 1-866-667-0297 or write to sales@electrocorp.net.

Schools in need of smart upgrades

Energy-saving measures and indoor air quality improvements at the forefront of priorities

A healthy indoor environment is important in schools.

Thousands of California school buildings are in urgent need of repair – and how the work is done will affect the health and productivity of future generations of students and teachers.

Following objectives set out by the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) can make a huge difference in learning environments.

The criteria generally consist of site and materials selection, energy and water efficiency, indoor environmental quality (reducing indoor air pollution) and sustainability.

Schools can save money and energy when making improvements to their lighting and HVAC systems, standardized air filtration systems and other materials.

Experts also suggest monitoring the air quality and using an economizer on the HVAC unit.

Introducing natural light into learning environments has also been shown to improve student performance because they are more relaxed and focused on the materials being taught.

Commissioning certain elements of school renovations or upgrades may help improve installation and performance of these systems.

Source: Smart Business

Improve indoor air quality in schools

Students and teachers need to breathe clean air in order to be the most productive and successful, but many school environments are filled with stale or stagnant air, odors, chemicals, bacteria, viruses, mold, dust, allergens and other particles.

A good ventilation system may help to dilute some of these pollutants, but portable air cleaning systems can actually help to remove them as well.

Electrocorp has designed air cleaners for schools and universities that can tackle the indoor air contaminants mentioned above.

The air cleaners feature a deep-bed activated carbon filter and HEPA filtration as well as optional UV lamps for the most complete air cleaning.

Contact Electrocorp for more information.
 

Majority of builders see green home trend growing

The green trend is continuing in the construction industry
and indoor air quality is becoming more important.

More than 80% of builders surveyed in a new report say that construction now is greener than just two years ago and that energy-efficient features are more prevalent in new homes.

The goal to save money on utility bills may drive a lot of those energy-efficient choices, as does the need to differentiate a home from the competition.

Green homes also gained popularity because they are seen as being higher quality (and therefore higher value) and providing better indoor air quality.

Speaking of indoor air quality - it is growing in importance and focus for home builders. 60% of home builders believe that efforts to improve indoor air quality make homes greener than they were two years ago, and 95% of high volume home builders report including features that impact air quality.

Green homes made up a 17% share in the construction market in 2011, which amounts to $17 billion, but the report estimates that this market share will increase to between 29% and 38% by the year 2016.

A growing number of projects are also seeking green certification, the report says, and higher first costs for building green are noted by a much lower percentage of builders as an obstacle now than they were reported in 2008.

The SmartMarket report was released by McGraw-Hill Construction and surveyed members of the National Association of Home Builders.

Source: USA Today, NAHB

Taking care of indoor air quality

When the energy-saving wave first hit the construction and renovation market, it was driven by a desire to save on heating costs and utility bills.

However, the ensuing airtight houses gave rise to a new risk to public health – indoor air pollution, which was named as one of the top 5 risks to public health by health authorities like the EPA.

Electrocorp offers portable
air cleaners like the RAP series.

So it’s good to hear that indoor air quality has been growing in importance in the building industry.

Electrocorp has been a long-time promoter of good indoor air quality and offers air cleaners for commercial and industrial applications that can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants.

Electrocorp’s air cleaners contain a multistage filtration system with activated carbon + HEPA + optional UV germicidal filtration.

Together, these filters can remove airborne chemicals, gases, odors, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses, mold and other contaminants.

Whether it’s during construction or renovation work, remediation projects or for air cleaning after the work is done in single-family dwellings or larger settings, Electrocorp can provide the right air cleaners, the most effective air filters and the most customizable options.

Contact Electrocorp for more information.
 

Agency clamps down on lead work violators

Lead rules need to be enforced to protect workers and
homeowners as well as children, the EPA says.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced three enforcement actions for violators of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) as well as other important rules.

The rule has been put in place to protect workers from lead exposure during renovation activities like sanding, cutting and demolition. Inhaling lead dust has been linked to human health problems.

Lead exposure can cause behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures and even death and young children are particularly at risk because their bodies and nervous systems are still developing.

The rule took effect on April 22, 2010, and now administrators are looking for ways to enforce it to protect workers and children from hazardous lead dust.

Lead was a common ingredient in paints used before the 1950s and could therefore still be present in older homes and buildings.

Workers could be exposed to lead when removing old paint from a building’s exterior, for example, and by not properly containing the dust, it could also get into neighboring homes and contaminate the ground.

Home repair companies and contractors are required to train workers under the rule and make sure people understand the dangers of lead and ways to protect themselves.

The EPA will evaluate a company or individual’s ability to pay a penalty and adjust it accordingly.

Source: EPA

Indoor air quality during renovations: A serious concern

Portable air cleaners can be moved
easily from one site to the next.

Renovations can expose workers and residents to a host of pollutants, not only lead dust, but also asbestos fibers, mold spores, chemicals, construction dust and more.

It is very important to deal up the portions of a home undergoing renovations and to make sure that the pollutants are contained.

Many companies and contractors will work with personal protective equipment, strong vacuums and air cleaners to help reduce exposure.

Electrocorp’s air cleaners for industrial and commercial applications contain a multistage filtration system with activated carbon and HEPA that can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants.

The units can be used for positive or negative pressure environments to contain potentially harmful contaminants.

For more information and a recommendation of units, contact Electrocorp.
  

Building materials for better indoor air

The wrong building materials can lead to poor
indoor air quality and respiratory disease.

Indoor air pollution is one of the top 5 risks to public health, and one of the main sources of exposure is the building materials.

The volatile organic compounds and other chemicals that can be emitted by common building materials can contribute to the onset or aggravation of respiratory diseases.

When building or renovating a home, people and contractors need to take building materials and indoor air quality into account.

Here is a selection of “healthy” building materials that won’t off-gas too many toxins and won’t affect the indoor air quality in a negative way.

• Concrete, ceramic tile and stone
• Paperless drywall
• Low-VOC paint
• Solid wood cabinets and doors (Products that contain plywood emit high levels of formaldehyde)
• Butcher block for countertops (better for IAQ than plastics laminates with adhesives)
• Factory finished flooring like bamboo and cork
• Fiberglass insulation (that is formaldehyde-free)
• Stainless steel

Look for eco-products that are certified and won’t pollute your indoor environment. A healthy home will require healthy air, and it all starts with the building materials.

Of course, keep ventilation systems and other air-quality friendly measures in mind when building or renovating a home.

Source: Business2Community

Use carbon + HEPA air cleaners when building or renovating homes

Along with proper planning, the right materials and good ventilation, a serious air cleaner with many pounds of activated carbon and HEPA air filters can help keep the air in the home clean and healthy.

Electrocorp offers industrial-strength air cleaners that can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants, including VOCs, chemicals, gases, odors, dust, particles, fibers, mold, bacteria and viruses.

They can also keep the air clean after the work is done.

For more information, contact Electrocorp today.
 

Renovation industry gets IAQ guidelines from EPA

New protocols protect indoor air quality while enhancing home energy efficiency

Home energy upgrades can lead to poor indoor air quality.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy Upgrades, an initiative designed to give the home energy industry the tools to identify, manage, and reduce health risks during projects.

The guidelines will help protect families, homeowners, occupants and workers during home energy upgrades, retrofits or remodeling projects, EPA officials said in a press release.

The new protocols involve a step-by-step process for conducting assessments to evaluate indoor air conditions and the potential for risks that may arise during residential energy upgrades.

They include recommended minimum specifications and best practices to maintain or improve indoor air quality.

The protocols serve as a companion document to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) guidelines for Home Energy Professionals.

The DOE guidelines are intended to foster the growth of a skilled work force that will increase the homeowner’s confidence in the retrofit industry and increase the demand for home energy retrofits.

The documents are available here:

• U.S. Department of Energy’s Guidelines for Home Energy Professionals 
• EPA's Healthy Indoor Environment Protocols for Home Energy Upgrades

Improve indoor air quality with industrial air cleaners

A good health and safety program includes personal protective equipment, on-site assessments and industrial-strength air cleaning.

Electrocorp offers versatile, portable and highly efficient air cleaners for the home energy industry and construction/renovation businesses.

The air cleaners remove the widest range of pollutants such as chemicals, gases, fumes, odors, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses and mold with a multistage filtration system of activated carbon and HEPA.

Contact Electrocorp for more information and recommendations.

See also: Avoid release of toxins during home energy renovations, experts urge