Vinyl Flooring

PVC-based flooring products including sheet vinyl, vinyl tile, and luxury vinyl plank. Contains plasticizers and may off-gas VOCs, especially when new.

Why It Matters

Covers large surface area of home. Children play directly on floors. VOCs off-gas into home air continuously. Phthalate-containing dust is tracked throughout home.

Chemicals of Concern in This Product

Phthalates

A group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break. Also used as...

High Risk

Ingredient Red Flags

Watch for these on ingredient labels:

  • Strong plastic smell
  • No certifications
  • Unknown phthalate content
  • PVC backing on other flooring

What to Look For

  • ✓Phthalate-free claims
  • ✓Low-VOC adhesives if glued installation

Finding Safer Options

Real hardwood, bamboo, cork, linoleum (different from vinyl), ceramic tile, or concrete. If vinyl is needed, choose phthalate-free options.

Certifications to Look For

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