Revised CDC report shows increased risk from Lumber Liquidators laminates

HomeCategoriesLaminateRevised CDC report shows increased risk from Lumber Liquidators laminates

Lumber Liquidators lost about a quarter of its market value in early trading Feb. 22 after a report by The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that people exposed to excessive levels of formaldehyde in some types of laminate flooring sold by the company were three times more likely to get cancer than previously estimated.

The CDC said it now estimated the risk of cancer at six to 30 cases per 100,000 people, compared with the two to nine cases it had previously estimated. The agency said the revised results were preliminary.

In a notice on its website dated Feb. 18, the CDC said it had used an incorrect value to calculate ceiling height in its previous report. The error meant that its estimates of the airborne concentration of formaldehyde—a carcinogen—were about three times lower than they should have been.

Last March, a “60 Minutes” exposé about Lumber Liquidators’ laminate exposed the initial formaldehyde issue. On Feb. 21 the show featured a revised report noting the possibility of an error on the part of CDC scientists in their initial findings.

“We sent the report to scientists at several universities and discovered the government forgot to convert feet to meters in some calculations,” said Anderson Cooper, “60 Minutes” correspondent.

In an emailed statement following the updated report, Lumber Liquidators said it had significantly strengthened its quality controls: “We are encouraged that CDC is seeking a broader review of their conclusions.”

Lumber Liquidators’ shares were down 24.3% shortly after the start of trading Feb. 21, its biggest intraday percentage loss in six months. The company’s sales and shares have taken a significant hit since the initial “60 Minutes” report last March.

The company has suspended sales of all laminate flooring imported from China.

 

Must Read

Dealers descend on NRF Distributors market

Ledyard, Conn.—It has been billed as “the Surfaces of the Northeast,” and for many retailers located in New England, upstate New York and parts...

Mohawk Builder + Multifamily promotes Made in USA portfolio

Calhoun, Ga.—Mohawk Builder + Multifamily is aiming to build a more sustainable world with a diverse portfolio of carpet, laminated wood and resilient flooring...

Johnsonite named Top Product in Fuse Alliance Supplier Awards

Solon, Ohio—Tarkett’s Johnsonite family of rubber tile and finishing accessories was named Top Product in the Fuse Alliance Supplier Awards during the group’s annual...

WFCA launches SEAL Academy

Dalton—The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) has launched the SEAL (Seeking Excellence As Leaders) Academy, a leadership development and certification program billed as a...

Mannington hires award-winning carpet designer

Salem, N.J.—Mannington has appointed Jeanette Himes as manager of residential carpet design. With her extensive experience in carpet design, Himes is set to bring a...

Underlayment: Padding products tout form and function

Underlayment is a crucial part of the flooring installation process. Its benefits include sound absorption, moisture protection, substrate leveling and more.  Choosing the right underlayment...
Some text some message..
X