Safer Flooring Choices for Your Home Interview with Andy Pace Artwork

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Your Indoor Air Podcast

Safer Flooring Choices for Your Home Interview with Andy Pace

July 29, 2025 • Change the Air Foundation • Episode 69

What if the most toxic materials in your home are lying beneath your feet?

In this educational episode, healthy building expert Andy Pace returns to unpack the surprising ways your flooring may be polluting your indoor air and harming your well-being. From formaldehyde in carpet and wood flooring to moisture traps beneath tile and vinyl, Andy explores the chemical and structural risks hidden underfoot. Dive deep as you learn the pros and cons of concrete, linoleum, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), wood, tile, carpet, and cork, along with tips for safer installation and low-emission product options.

Whether you're renovating one room or planning an entire home build, this practical conversation will give you the tools to make smarter, healthier flooring decisions one step at a time.

Episode Highlights:

What hazardous air pollutants are found in flooring? (2:54)
How do flooring materials rank against one another? (6:32)
What are the pros and cons of carpet and tile? (14:20)
What’s the difference between solid hardwood, engineered wood, and veneered hardwood flooring? What are the installation options? (18:05)
What are some healthy wood floor brands and related materials? (22:02)
What’s the latest on luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring? (25:23)
Has LVP manufacturing improved over time? (28:56)
What should you know about cork and natural linoleum flooring? (31:22)
What should you look for when choosing a healthier carpet? (36:49)
What are the risks of lead and crystalline silica exposure from tile? What should you know about cutting tile and installation safety, substrate choices, and tile in basements? (41:35)
What are healthier brands of stains, sealants, and related products for concrete floors? (48:38)

Links Mentioned in Interview:

Forbo Marmoleum: https://www.forbo.com/flooring/en-us/commercial-products/linoleum/marmoleum-step-into-modern-nature/p750diAFM

SafeCoat MexeSeal: https://afmsafecoat.com/products/stains-sealers/safecoat-mexeseal-satin

Earth Weave: https://www.earthweave.com

Whitfield Natural Textiles: https://www.whitfieldnaturaltextiles.com

Nature Carpet: https://www.naturecarpet.com

AFM SafeCoat Durostain Pro: https://afmsafecoat.com/products/stains-sealers/safecoat-durostain-pro

AFM SafeCoat Polyureseal BP: https://afmsafecoat.com/products/flooring-furniture-millwork/safecoat-polyureseal-bp-gloss

Rubio Monocoat: https://www.rubiomonocoatusa.com

CALI Floors: https://www.califloors.com

Kahrs: https://www.kahrs.com/en-us/

Carlisle Wide Plank Floors: https://wideplankflooring.com