WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — A Winter Garden couple claims the air in their home wasn't safe, and they blame the company that sold them laminate wood floors from China.
There is a federal investigation into Lumber Liquidators imported wood, but the family claims it could not wait for action.
Workers ripped out the laminate wood flooring Pir Mohammed and Roma Seudat had bought just the year before and replaced it with tile. Getting the replacement cost $14,000.
“I had to replace it for health reasons and to make my home livable again,” said Mohammed.
The couple said they suffered severe allergy symptoms after the wood flooring was installed.
“My throat would be burning,” said Seudat.
Her breathing problem was so acute that despite medical treatment, she could not sleep inside the house.
"I felt like a homeless person. I never thought I would be looking for a place to sleep," she said.
They discovered the federal investigation into laminate wood flooring from China sold by Lumber Liquidators and suspected of having dangerous levels of formaldehyde.
The couple paid to have the air and a wood sample tested. They were told the results confirmed their fears. An independent lab found toxic formaldehyde levels in the air.
Mohammed claims the flooring was also a problem.
“The wood sample indicated there was a high level of formaldehyde," he said.
Lumber Liquidators insists its product is safe, even though it stopped selling it, and offered free air testing. It has not paid any homeowners to replace the laminate.
A nationwide class action lawsuit is taking shape in Virginia federal court that could force the company to cover damages.
The couple claims their good health now proves what the risk had been.
“Have your symptoms improved?” asked Action 9's Todd Ulrich.
“Oh, my God, yes. I'm so grateful to sleep in my bed,” said Seudat.
Attorneys Ulrich talked to say removing the flooring is an individual choice, but if you do, keep a sealed sample of the laminate and document all test results and expenses.
Lumber Liquidators told Action 9 it wants to review the couple's test results and the product they purchased.
The homeowner had requested the company's test kit, but then decided to pay an independent lab instead.
Statement from Lumber Liquidators
- "Lumber Liquidators has voluntarily offered free home air test kits to thousands of consumers through a program we believe is among the largest of its kind ever conducted in the United States. Mr. Mohammed received and refused this same offer. We can't speak to the tests that were administered given the unknown protocols and methodology of the laboratories. Concerned consumers can reach out to us for a free home air test kit by clicking the Air Quality Test link on the Lumber Liquidators website."
WFTV
