Lowe’s has pledged to eliminate toxic phthalates from its flooring products by the end of the year, matching a similar commitment from The Home Depot.

The nation’s second largest home-improvement retailer made the announcement in the wake of reports that testing by the advocacy group HealthyStuff.org found that 48 percent of Lowe’s flooring contained toxic phthalates.

Phthalates have been linked to increased risks for asthma and reproductive disorders and found to hinder brain development and the immune system.

Mike Schade, with the advocacy group Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families, raised Lowe’s for taking the step.

“We welcome and thank Lowe’s for their commitment to transition away from unnecessary toxic phthalates in flooring,” he said in a statement. “We urge Lumber Liquidators, Ace Hardware, and Menards to follow suit in phasing out these chemicals that are harmful for children’s health.”