Dive Brief:
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Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, previously called for a federal investigation into whether Lumber Liquidators has sold laminate products potentially dangerous to human health. UPDATE: Sen. Charles Schumer March 22 also called for an investigation.
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UPDATE: The Consumer Product Safety Commission formally announced Wednesday March 25 that it is indeed looking into whether Lumber Liquidators has sold laminate with dangerous levels of formaldehyde, a carcinogen.
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UPDATE: Lumber Liquidators the same day released a statement reiterating its stance that testing by 60 Minutes, which first broke the news that the laminate contains toxins, is not an appropriate method, saying: “It is our firm belief that finished product testing, rather than deconstruction, is the best approach to determine consumer safety.”
Dive Insight:
UPDATE: Lumber Liquidators' woes continue with the news that the Consumer Product Safety Commission will be investigating its laminate. The investigation will likely look into not just whether the product is safe, but whether the retailer made false claims. The retailer's continued stance that the testing involved is inadequate is unlikely to fly with consumers if the federal agency finds the flooring to be unsafe.
"Because this could affect millions of homeowners, it's imperative we get some answers quickly," Nelson said in a statement released by the Democrats on the Commerce, Science and Transportation committee.
