The Real Linoleum

Posted on November 14, 2007 by Joyce Benson   Add a Comment |
Tag(s): Green Furnishings, Hazardous Products / Health Issues

Vinyl flooring that you find at home centers and flooring stores is sometimes mistakenly referred to as linoleum, when in actuality real linoleum is an environmentally friendly, natural product and vinyl is not.

Real linoleum is made from natural substances and dyed with safe, organic pigments. Responsible manufacturers like Forbo, who makes Marmoleum, even engage in sustainable production practices. They offer countless colors in sheet flooring and a floating floor called “Click”. Among its benefits, this comfortable, durable flooring has naturally-occurring anti-microbial properties and is easily maintained. The flooring emits only very low levels of VOCs, some of which are naturally-occurring, which are thought to be safer than chemically-derived VOCs. It’s even biodegradable at the end of its long useful life.

Vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), on the other hand, has a toxic life cycle. Its production requires hazardous chemicals, and its by-products, dioxin and PCBs, harm the environment and living beings. Some vinyl products like shower curtains, car interiors and flooring release chemical gases (VOCs) which may also do harm.

Source: Bluevinyl.org (pdf)

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