Composite Panel Association's Environmentally Preferable Product

• Not all types of flooring need to be certified by the Composite Panel Association, but many companies that manufacture nontoxic flooring choose to be a member of this association and to seek its endorsement as an environmentally preferable product. Environmentally preferable products will be clearly labeled with an "EPP" mark. This means that the flooring does not contain very high levels of formaldehyde, which might off-gas in your home and cause health issues. Flooring with the lowest levels will have an E1 or an E0 certification.
  
  

Volatile Organic Compounds

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are off-gassed from various substances such as paint, strong adhesives and paint removers, as well as mold and mildew spores. VOCs can damage the mucous membranes in your body and cause headaches, difficulty concentrating, dizziness and a shortened attention span. Choose hardwood flooring that is coated with finishes and adhesives that have only a small amount of VOCs or even none at all.
  
  

Solvents

• Many hardwood floors come prefinished with a varnish such as polyurethane. Varnishes contain solvents such as acetone, paint thinner or mineral spirits. These solvents can be toxic. Instead, choose finishes that are natural or that don't contain any harmful solvents. You can also choose unfinished hardwood floors and finish them yourself with a nontoxic floor varnish.
  
  

Nontoxic Cleaning

• Some hardwood floor cleaning products contain chemicals that can be toxic for you, your pets and your children. Using natural and nontoxic cleaning products is especially important if you have children who spend a lot of time playing on your hardwood floors.