The possible health effects come from exposure to formaldehyde emitted from the floors. The CDC reports: "The estimated risk of cancer is 6-30 cases per 100,000 people."
There were earlier reports of the cancer risks associated with the company's flooring which gave lower estimates, but the CDC says that the new report, which measures with more accurate ceiling heights, indicates people who have the flooring are three times more likely to get cancer than they originally reported.
Lumber Liquidators, the largest hardwood flooring retailer in the US, came under fire last March after CBS's 60 Minutes launched an investigative report on their China-made products. They reported at that time that more than 100 million square feet of the company's problematic laminate flooring is installed in American homes annually.
"It's brand that's well-known, and it raises the question of what do we look for and who do we trust? It's really a big issue," says healthy home expert Sabine H. Schoenberg, founder of PrimeSitesCT.com and ThisNewHouse.com. She recommends buyers educate themselves when purchasing materials for the home. "Be a consumer that's asking questions, whether you're buying flooring, kitchen cabinets or paint. Ask what the glues are made of, make sure they're VOC [volatile organic compounds]-free glues."
According to the CDC, other side effects of certain Lumber Liquidators flooring include eye, nose and throat irritation. And they recommend "taking steps to reduce exposures, which should alleviate respiratory and eye, nose and throat irritation. These steps should also reduce the cancer risk."