"Home Depot Says It Will Phase Out Chemical Used in Vinyl Flooring"

"Facing pressure from consumer groups, Home Depot said it would discontinue use of a potentially harmful chemical in its vinyl flooring by the end of the year.

The retailer is asking about a half-dozen suppliers to phase out their use of ortho-phthalates, according to Stephen Holmes, a spokesman. Most of Home Depot’s flooring does not contain the chemicals at all, Mr. Holmes said, adding that the move would affect about 15 percent of the company’s vinyl products.

'Phthalates are one of the top 10 groups of chemicals that we’re concerned with right now,' said Jeff Gearhart, the research director for HealthyStuff.org, a research group affiliated with the nonprofit organization Ecology Center. 'We think it’s an avoidable hazard simply because there are alternatives on the market.'"

Rachel Abrams reports for the New York Times April 22, 2015.