CDC: Lumber Liquidator flooring 3x more likely to cause cancer than reported

PITTSBURGH — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a statement Feb. 18 correcting a previous report about formaldehyde in laminate flooring from Lumber Liquidators, Inc.

The first report was released Feb. 10. The CDC was notified about the error Feb. 13.

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The Environmental Protection Agency defines formaldehyde as a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature with a strong odor.

In addition to hardwood, the compound can be found in household materials, such as glue, paints and insulation.

New findings are estimated to show that cancer risks for those living with the flooring are 6-30 cases per 100,000 people.

Previous estimates were 2-9 cases per 100,000 people.

The report said this calculated estimate is likely lower than the modeled measurement, which the CDC will share the results of when it becomes available.

The CDC attributes the error to an incorrect value for ceiling height, which made calculations for health risks three times lower than they actually are.

"Our recommendations will likely remain the same," the CDC said. "We strongly stress taking steps to reduce exposures, which should alleviate respiratory and eye, nose and throat irritation."

These updated reports may indicate more problems for Lumber Liquidators.

The recent announcement led the Toano, Virginia-based company's stocks to plunge.

The news is a big source of concern for Meghan Lopresti and her family who live in the North Hills.

“This is our main living space,” Lopresti said.

Now, Lopresti doesn’t know what to know since hearing that her flooring could potentially increase her family’s risk of cancer.

“It’s a lot to think and worry about,” Lopresti said.

Bloomberg reported that a March episode of "60 Minutes" in part prompted a 70 percent decline in shares.

“We remain committed to operating with integrity and delivering quality flooring to our customers,” the company said in a statement.

Anyone worried about flooring purchased from Lumber Liquidators can reach the company's customer service by calling 800-366-4204 or CLICK HERE to order a free air quality test.

WPXI