Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen sent a letter to Lumber Liquidators on Tuesday asking for information about the manufacturing of laminate flooring that could contain high levels of formaldehyde.
Lumber Liquidators sells the Chinese-manufactured flooring online and in stores in Connecticut. Media reports alleged the material contains a high level of formaldehyde even though the company said it was in compliance with legal standards.
Jepsen asked the company in his letter if the business plans to stop selling the flooring and if it will compensate customers who purchased the flooring for their homes.
A recent television news report alleged the flooring contained formaldehyde levels that were six to seven times higher than the standard set in California, and some products tested at 20 times the legal limit.
"Exposure to formaldehyde can have serious and negative health effects, especially in children," Jepsen said. "The allegations made in the report are deeply concerning and raise questions as to whether the company mislabeled its products – either knowingly or unknowingly – and whether it will address any complaints it may receive from Connecticut consumers about the formaldehyde content of their flooring. I have opened an investigation into this matter and have asked the company to address a number of questions regarding the products as part of that investigation."
The company has locations in Danbury, North Haven, Waterbury, Norwalk, Waterford and Hartford, in addition to stores in 45 other states.