LG Hausys refuted the controversy over the detection of carcinogens above the standard level in insulation, saying, "There is no safety problem."
"Although there are no government-approved indoor air quality standards or test methods for insulation products, we are confident that they are safe after conducting numerous tests with the same methods as existing flooring materials and wallpaper," LG Hausys said recently.
Last month, JTBC News Room reported that formaldehyde exceeding the standard was detected in the insulation of LG Hausys, which is used in new apartments and buildings. Formaldehyde is a class 1 carcinogen that causes sick house syndrome.
The controversial product is a phenol-form insulation material that LG Hausys has been selling since 2013. According to a report released in April at the Architectural Institute of Korea (AIK), the product's formaldehyde was up to 0.124 mg/m2 per hour. This is up to six times the allowable standard for building finishes (0.02 mg/m2). In addition, insulation for interior use, which is used for indoors, was four times the standard.
In addition, the AIK also raised claims that formaldehyde, which is six to 13 times higher than the standard for finishing materials, was found in its internal data. The results of the survey by the National Institute of Environmental Research at the request of JTBC also revealed that 0.068 mg/m2 was detected per hour, more than three times the standard level. On the other hand, the rival's products were below the standard level, it added.
"The insulation material, if constructed inside the building, is installed in the order of concrete, insulation material, gypsum boards, wallpaper and interior finishes, so there is little chance that it could affect indoor air quality," LG Hausys claimed.