# Vinyl Phthalate Flooring: Victory for Health and Safety

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/04/vinyl-phthalate-flooring-victory-for-health-and-safety/
- Published: 2022-04-25T09:02:56-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## By Gillian Miller, Mike Belliveau, Mike Schade, and Bill Walsh

Tens of millions of pounds of phthalates annually eliminated from vinyl flooring:
That’s the victory our collaborative Mind the Store campaign scored in 2015 after
we secured commitments by leading retailers to eliminate [phthalates](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/09/communities-living-in-danger-chemical-disasters-see-ruling-as-important-victory-for-health-and-safety-allowing-177-million-americans-sleep-easier/)
from the flooring. We did this by first testing dozens of floor tiles from the nation’s
largest home improvement retailers, then reporting the results, meeting with the
companies, and challenging them to step up. This effort was a collaboration between
the [Ecology Center](https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/click?upn=G62jSYfZdO-2F12d8lSllQB1rDFdOgsrxXujaIwBfom3SGdV4Ri8FOaMVEUt3HHXUw_aYNlTXV-2F5BFKr-2BeI6mQ5tVopzin7QPz5cELSWtxOuXbuPMXiQryheQZSgw8P6TiMfepnJWsT-2B7Bv49ydCMa3vp5272Bmd-2BY5c7-2FIBgPzSUwuCj3wLS-2BFYRIeCGK4etnipSmglFjdDTtvhwVCuR934wQJKaddOvFPPWErLKmpfgG-2FMtuguJiIUIdyIeOBP071VGEp-2BMT5mwVfs1CW33zzuujVMonDvOK-2Fxmi4-2B-2Bx-2BxjPzFkKv8vvj0oO6B5U7xWWVX35gzt8wIv1zRu1SfSqkbuscA6XNqHUQVmcFXQ86l5PTHksZkIY-2Fqf7QFFwICbrsyTRH77SmclOyGS70YoL4HKOQrRDkKWSygDYDQF-2B1cys-3D),
[Safer Chemicals Healthy Families](https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/click?upn=G62jSYfZdO-2F12d8lSllQB6aRh8AeEkbroal33cCCxlp1W-2BC1elp3JrDId3VcWFUq_aYNlTXV-2F5BFKr-2BeI6mQ5tVopzin7QPz5cELSWtxOuXbuPMXiQryheQZSgw8P6TiMfepnJWsT-2B7Bv49ydCMa3vp5272Bmd-2BY5c7-2FIBgPzSUwuCj3wLS-2BFYRIeCGK4etnipSmglFjdDTtvhwVCuR934wQJKaddOvFPPWErLKmpfgG-2FMtuguJiIUIdyIeOBP071VGEp-2BMT5mwVfs1CW33zzuqvyqwjzgq6i5d5-2FKEhNFInVu6hvRw4mpU6TEGDD1NBZS9xXrfqBnQbmAQFFmbV1fdXPFRVBNI9cJVp22ep-2BEMEumTbJJK6utApxzh6swDtkvBqFDOMeg0kLPmQtI4kCbC7z-2FRXNMLoecDQ7sbUvbY4-3D),
the [Environmental Health Strategy Center](https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/click?upn=84Em28S1K9SvtzcUtu04EmXOyzmKoVmrV-2BPYE2s4X0IIytAutTuYPv4XtuPXfy2Y_aYNlTXV-2F5BFKr-2BeI6mQ5tVopzin7QPz5cELSWtxOuXbuPMXiQryheQZSgw8P6TiMfepnJWsT-2B7Bv49ydCMa3vp5272Bmd-2BY5c7-2FIBgPzSUwuCj3wLS-2BFYRIeCGK4etnipSmglFjdDTtvhwVCuR934wQJKaddOvFPPWErLKmpfgG-2FMtuguJiIUIdyIeOBP071VGEp-2BMT5mwVfs1CW33zzuuGfBiJJAA-2BP6v8r1xpVT-2F0BQd4EsjV-2FXZrF3XiUCMeTb2I-2FfTXqxnt4DTwIuqhikn8nxzslL9p-2BK9V1oGuD66S9Csd7euq2l5DZSyfPxrGvL365-2Bd5xCHI-2B5zCfaXwHWFzeCHD8JyqM4uYthHi-2F57E-3D)
and [Healthy Building Network](https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/click?upn=G62jSYfZdO-2F12d8lSllQB1zb3a105w7pu6fTuq-2FOaC103Y8xtufsrbpbD2HvjJ8E_aYNlTXV-2F5BFKr-2BeI6mQ5tVopzin7QPz5cELSWtxOuXbuPMXiQryheQZSgw8P6TiMfepnJWsT-2B7Bv49ydCMa3vp5272Bmd-2BY5c7-2FIBgPzSUwuCj3wLS-2BFYRIeCGK4etnipSmglFjdDTtvhwVCuR934wQJKaddOvFPPWErLKmpfgG-2FMtuguJiIUIdyIeOBP071VGEp-2BMT5mwVfs1CW33zzuvpM-2BUc3ZFdSP8yo23NW8C99HNlPhRCjAsQ-2FW5bHF1tTXFIrGxzsBkrkaYAd9I-2BhnULnEq5S-2B-2Bnf80UxEGEL9bXTU12O2yos9xyLizIMmjQsc9zT2FhztjvD1sd1gklD1jcmJ1rP6nUig-2FIsh9uegd8-3D).

![Flooring](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/asiia-
zaitseva-myRIo8-xYPQ-unsplash.jpg?resize=225%2C300&quality=52&ssl=1)

Four years later, our new tests found that the top retailers of flooring have honored
that commitment. Their actions demonstrate the power that retailers have to transform
the marketplace away from unnecessary toxic chemicals in building and consumer products
to “mind the store.”

## **Driving phthalates out of flooring**

In 2015, 58% of 65 vinyl floor tiles we tested contained elevated levels of phthalate
plasticizers, including 100% of samples collected from Lumber Liquidators, 70% from
The Home Depot, and 48% from Lowe’s. Over half of the top layers, made of virgin
vinyl, contained phthalates. Many backing layers [contained contaminants](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/05/chemical-footprint-project-assessing-chemical-risks/)
from recycled vinyl: lead, [cadmium](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/06/study-hazardous-chemicals-found-in-popular-child-car-seats/),
antimony, and bromine (suggesting the presence of brominated flame retardants), 
for example.  These contaminants were most likely from plastic electronic waste.

Fueled by our test results and public report, we persuaded the nation’s largest 
[home improvement and flooring retailers to eliminate](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/05/lowes-home-flooring-eliminates-toxic-chemicals/)
added phthalates from flooring. The Home Depot was the first to commit to phasing
out this hormone-disrupting class of [chemicals](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/10/epa-resolves-chemical-data-reporting-and-recordkeeping-violations-with-electronics-company-in-ca-ga/)
by the end of 2015. Soon after, we secured similar commitments from top competitors,
including Lowe’s, Lumber Liquidators and Menards. And in the month that followed,
other major retailers of flooring joined them, including Ace Hardware and Floor &
Décor.

## **Addressing toxic chemicals in recycled vinyl**

Lumber Liquidators and Floor & Decor went even further by also banning recycled 
vinyl to [avoid incorporating](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/05/chemical-footprint-project-assessing-chemical-risks/)
the associated hazardous contaminants. In November 2015, in response to our campaign,
Lumber Liquidators announced the company’s new policy agreement to become the first
major retailer to publicly ban the use of contaminated vinyl scrap plastic in flooring.
The company committed to adopt new standards that require its suppliers of [vinyl flooring](https://greenlivingguy.com/2007/03/sunedison-sacramento-municipal-utility-district-smud-plus-leading-inverter-manufacturers-supporting-utility-standard-ansi-c12/)
to end all use of reprocessed vinyl plastic in vinyl flooring and limit lead in 
flooring to less than 100 parts per million (ppm). And Floor & Decor went even further
by adopting the most stringent standards addressing contaminants in vinyl among 
the nation’s top flooring retailers. The company banned vinyl scrap plastic and 
limited lead, cadmium, toxic flame retardants, chromium and mercury to 100 ppm.

## **How have top retailers implemented their bans on phthalates in flooring?**

Almost four years later, we checked up on three of the largest flooring retailers.
We purchased vinyl floor tiles in 2018 from The Home Depot (10 tiles), Lowe’s (13
tiles), and Lumber Liquidators (3 tiles). When available, we chose brands and patterns
we had tested in 2015. We separated the tiles into their distinct top and bottom
layers. In addition to testing for phthalates, we tested the tiles for heavy metals
and bromine. The [goal was to identify whether contaminated recycled](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/03/ncaa-finals-bottle-event-aims-for-recycling-goals/)
vinyl may be present.

#### **None of the new samples we tested**** contained phthalates at levels we could detect. We commend these retailers for following through on their commitment to eliminate toxic phthalates from vinyl flooring. **

The instrument used for this screening reliably detects phthalate levels of approximately
1% and higher. Most top and backing layers contained the non-phthalate plasticizer
DOTP (also called DEHT). DOTP is considered a safer alternative to phthalates, although
data gaps remain which must be filled, particularly with regard to possible endocrine
disruption. DOTP received a _Benchmark 3 with data gaps_ in a 2012 GreenScreen hazard
assessment, compared to a _List Translator-1_ score for phthalates like DEHP and
DINP. Benchmark 3 indicates a chemical can be safely used but there is an opportunity
for improvement. New research showing the interaction of DOTP with hormone receptors
underscores the need to further test this chemical. A few of the new tiles contained
benzoate ester plasticizers–also considered safer alternatives–in addition to DOTP.

Compared to the top layers, the backing layers of the new tiles contained somewhat
higher levels of elements associated with electronic waste. But the levels were 
much lower than in the 2015 backing layers. It appears that the hazardous elements
antimony, bromine and lead have been virtually eliminated.** This finding suggests
that the retailers’ suppliers of the floor tiles we sampled have significantly reduced
the use of contaminated recycled vinyl, which we applaud.**

## **Tackling phthalates as a class**

What’s particularly significant is that these retailers tackled ortho-phthalates
as a group of chemicals. That’s instead of replacing one phthalate with another 
phthalate plasticizer.  Phthalates are a class of chemical compounds that share 
a similar chemical structure. Their widespread use results in continuous human exposure.
At least 41 phthalates are now under regulation by authoritative government agencies
in North America and Europe.  (The actual number is higher since this includes both
individual compounds and commercial mixtures of multiple phthalates).  Some chemical
industry representatives argued that some phthalates such as DINP are safe. However,
the evidence demonstrates that the entire class of phthalates is problematic. Therefore,
DINP cannot be considered a safer alternative to other phthalates. Fortunately, 
safer non-phthalate plasticizer alternatives to phthalates in vinyl flooring (and
other products) are widely available.

## **Recommendations for home improvement and flooring retailers going forward**

Any flooring retailer that has yet to take action should survey its suppliers. It’s
important that they adopt policies to eliminate phthalates in flooring. Companies
must also phase out the use of recycled vinyl feedstocks. They are contaminated 
with phthalates or other substances of high concern. For example, heavy metals, 
halogenated flame retardants, and PCB’s. The circular economy will be a failure 
if we keep reintroducing hazardous chemicals back into commerce.

**Given the lifecycle hazards of **[**vinyl (PVC) plastic**](https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/click?upn=84Em28S1K9SvtzcUtu04Enm8w9Sx-2B2abMgYTZ-2BRCozA17TrUQ3NFrJcDVCoLbmRVPDyw8jYjkqNh-2FQfZcb7WNepzEdkErg1rCKTf5DsMtWBx5uKWeLUOxGXvlVF3B8uZ2GEjEvOhVqbMIas5snAlzPMSSEKPVtYsw4C4zmyZB0XrQFjwGhQ-2BSz4t3DXiYu0ND9HnqzYumes6gPC3Y-2FgMgxfKDj-2BGucECXnDfquBB21w-3D_aYNlTXV-2F5BFKr-2BeI6mQ5tVopzin7QPz5cELSWtxOuXbuPMXiQryheQZSgw8P6TiMfepnJWsT-2B7Bv49ydCMa3vp5272Bmd-2BY5c7-2FIBgPzSUwuCj3wLS-2BFYRIeCGK4etnipSmglFjdDTtvhwVCuR934wQJKaddOvFPPWErLKmpfgG-2FMtuguJiIUIdyIeOBP071VGEp-2BMT5mwVfs1CW33zzusStcgUzax7yLl3wCWgS-2FijEe7hy9U0tLBbSg4cIh5NFvRIJOQwRjQwYzika8JEZovrH3Mls9ooHU3K8-2BJluiK8yXlCOqaIaKAQXnhquluufhW-2FPq3ncvd5UJW-2BXITLw-2BleOQdsNkkZ30LBEknLyu-2FA-3D)**,
over time retailers should also adopt programs to reduce and phase out the use of
PVC plastic in flooring.** The production, use, and disposal of PVC flooring may
release hazardous chemicals. For instance, chlorine gas, ethylene dichloride, vinyl
chloride, mercury, PFAS, asbestos, and dioxins. These floors expose workers and 
fenceline communities to dangerous chemicals. Safer alternatives, such as bio-based
linoleum, are readily available. Linoleum lasts longer and requires less toxic cleaning
products to maintain. Retailers should also work to reduce and eliminate phthalates
and PVC in other [building materials and consumer](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/04/gold-transparency-building-consumer-trust/)
products over time.

#### **In closing, our new testing confirms the impact our campaign has had in driving phthalates out of flooring. We look forward to tackling the next categories of remaining uses of these dangerous chemicals sold at retail to slam the door on phthalates once and for all.**

_Gillian Miller is the Senior Scientist of Ecology Center.  Mike Schade is the Mind
the Store campaign director of Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families. Mike Belliveau
is the Executive Director of Environmental Health Strategy Center. Bill Walsh is
the Founder and Board President of the Healthy Building Network._

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
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