A Swedish study found that the rate of autism is higher for children in houses that have PVC vinyl flooring. It is the phthalates that are emitted from the material that affect the children.
According to the study, infants and toddlers who had vinyl floors in their rooms are twice as likely to develop autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than those with wood or aluminum floors.
Phthalates have previously been banned from children’s toys and feeding gear and in response to this study, the Center for Health, Environment, & Justice is mounting a campaign to remove the chemical-laden flooring from schools. Hopefully daycares and other early childhood facilities follow.
The study is published in the journal Neurotoxicology.
