How Pvc Flooring Is An Affordable, Durable And Easy To Install Type Of Floor That Can Be Used In Any Space?

 

PVC Flooring — which stands for polyvinyl chloride flooring — is an affordable, durable and easy to install type of floor that can be used in any space. It can mimic the look of wood, stone and ceramic tiles, making it an attractive option for those who want a stylish, eco-friendly flooring solution.

Mimic The Look Of Wood, Stone And Ceramic Tiles

But while PVC is a great choice for many homeowners, it’s not without its drawbacks. For one, it can be a source of toxins that outgas when it’s exposed to moisture or temperature changes. In addition, a number of studies have linked PVC to health problems, including asthma and rare cancers.

Moreover, the production of PVC Flooring is not sustainable as it uses non-renewable fossil fuels and releases toxic chemicals into the air. It also causes a significant impact on the climate by producing greenhouse gas emissions during manufacturing.

A recent report from The Intercept found that some of Home Legend’s suppliers use flooring made by Jufeng, a Chinese manufacturer that exports finished floors to dozens of American companies. It was able to trace the company’s supply chain back to the Uyghur region of Xinjiang, where a disturbing pattern of forced labor has been documented.

Notes On Its Website

The Intercept sent letters to Home Legend on June 10 and July 2 asking about its supply chain practices, including how it monitors its sourcing agents. Home Legend, which markets itself as "earth minded," says on its website that it sources sustainable wood and bamboo for its flooring products. It also notes on its website that it audits its suppliers for compliance with "human rights, safety and environmentally sound practices."

In the letter, Home Legend said that Jufeng's parent company had assured it that Xinjiang PVC is not used to produce their flooring. But The Intercept found that the company’s sourcing agents are still buying PVC from Jufeng.

Researchers have found that forced labor is a common practice in China’s vinyl industry. They found that factories in Xinjiang use “a range of migrant workers and other forced laborers to make PVC Flooring Dubai.”

Create Vapors When Heated Or Dried

These factories are staffed with mostly young women, often living on the streets, who are forced to work for long hours for pittances. They’re subjected to unsafe working conditions and can experience physical abuse.

They’re also exposed to pollution in the form of benzene, formaldehyde, and other toxic chemicals that are released during the creation of the flooring. The chemicals are absorbed into the skin and can cause damage to the lungs and heart, according to the researchers.

This is especially true in the case of a product like plastic, which has a tendency to absorb toxins from the air and create vapors when heated or dried. A 2015 study by NBC News found that phthalates, a chemical commonly found in plastics, can outgas when they’re exposed to moisture or temperature changes.

Conclusion:

Fortunately, many manufacturers are now offering phthalate-free PVC, which may be a good option for those who want to avoid the risks associated with phthalates.