KD Investigators: Advice To Buyers Of Lumber Liquidators Flooring

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Like dozens of other people who have called our newsroom, Meghan Lopresti wants know if the laminated flooring she bought from Lumber Liquidators is safe.

"It'll always be in the back of my head," she said. "I have two small children another one on the way and this could cause childhood cancer. That's not something that any parent should have to deal with."

And for now -- Lopresti and others will have to wait and see. There are still more questions than answer since 60 Minutes aired its report on the high formaldehyde content of the flooring made in China.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission has launched its own investigation into the safety of the laminate boards and has requested the findings of the tests 60 Minutes conducted.

The news program has provided those results, while Lumber Liquidator continues to maintain that its product is safe.

"We stand by every single plank of wood and laminate we sell all around the country and will continue to deliver the best product at the best price to our growing base of valued customers," says Lumber Liquidators.

Meanwhile, the California Air Resources Board, known as CARB, which set the standard for formaldehyde levels in wood products in that state, has issued guidelines for consumers.

"If they're coughing or if they feel some kind of breathing problem, then it may be related to the formaldehyde," said Stanley Young with CARB.

CARB does not recommend ripping the laminate out of your house -- unless you are suffering ill health effects or other actions have not worked.

CARB says the laminate on the boards generally keeps the formaldehyde sealed and that the potential fumes from the formaldehyde will off gas gradually and decrease over time.

In the short run, it recommends keeping the room ventilated and opening the windows as much as possible.

To find out more about flooring regulations and CARB's actions, visit: www.arb.ca.gov.

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