San Diego, CA — April 21, 2015
What are Lumber Liquidators?
Lumber Liquidators is a company located in Toano, Virginia that purchases excess wood from other companies to sell as hardwood flooring. They sell many types of flooring, including Chinese laminate flooring, which is the type of flooring that has come into question. They first opened on January 5, 1996. They claim to be an environmentally conscientious company, but this story may show otherwise.
Chinese Laminate Bamboo Flooring & Formaldehyde
Several California consumers have filed a lawsuit against Lumber Liquidators, claiming that the company hired inexperienced labs to prove its flooring is not releasing formaldehyde fumes. A 60 Minutes investigation was reported in March of excessive levels of formaldehyde in the laminate flooring, which is manufactured in China. The lab that Lumber Liquidators hired is only certified to test for mold, not formaldehyde. Much of the flooring coming from China has elevated formaldehyde levels over the recommended safety levels.
What is Formaldehyde Poisoning?
Formaldehyde poisoning is a disorder brought about by breathing the fumes of formaldehyde. This can occur while working directly with the chemical, or using equipment cleaned with formaldehyde.
Major symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Skin rashes
- Chest tightness
- Asthma
- Respiratory problems
- Wheezing and coughing
Common Questions About Lumber Liquidators Lawsuit
- How much can I get from filing a lawsuit against Lumber Liquidators?
- How do I file a claim against Lumber Liquidators?
- How dangerous is formaldehyde poisoning?
- Why aren’t these Chinese floors properly tested?
- What will the payout be for suing Lumber Liquidators?
- Will there be cash settlements from this lawsuit?
- How do I join in the Lumber Liquidators lawsuit?
Lumber Liquidators Class Action Lawsuit
A class action lawsuit against Lumber Liquidators claims the company of selling laminate wood flooring made in China that could potentially poison people with formaldehyde. The flooring was marketed as environmentally friendly, and even had advertisements with children playing on the floors. Lawsuits accuse that the products were labeled as “formaldehyde-compliant” when they actually weren’t.
The core of the flooring is made of wood particles that are stuck together with cheap glue, containing formaldehyde. Over years, formaldehyde gas leaks out of the wood and into the air. The company’s stock has plummeted, and they have a full federal investigation coming their way.
Lumber Liquidators has responded by setting up a webpage that claims, “These attacks are driven by a small group of short-selling investors who are working together for the sole purpose of making money by lowering our stock price. They are using any means to try and scare our customers with inaccurate allegations. Their motives and methods are wrong and we will fight these false attacks on all fronts. ”
In California, Proposition 65 requires businesses to disclose chemicals known to cause cancer or other health problems and the claims filed against Lumber Liquidators are alleging the company failed to meet these standards.
How Can You Test Your Floors?
To properly test your floors for formaldehyde, you can visit EMSL Analytical, a lab service that will assist you with formaldehyde testing and analyses to help you better evaluate any potential hazards.
If you know someone who bought flooring from Lumber Liquidators and had health problems, you could be entitled to compensation.
