A representative from State Environmental Protection Administration of China tells local media that an investigation into several building material markets in Nanjing, Shanghai and Beijing shows that some companies are illegally pasting environmental protection signs on their building materials.

The investigation shows that environmental signs have been illegally used on 56 kinds of products including home appliances, office facilities, and building materials. The environmental signs and stickers are indicators to consumers that the goods are environmentally-friendly or lack toxic substances.

Yixing Lion-king Flooring, Beijing Shusen Flooring and Shanghai HMKA Flooring have been found using the environmental signs without authorization and now face undisclosed fines and penalties.

Lu Yangang, an official from China's State Administration For Industry and Commerce, says the department will continue tp work to straighten out the misuse of environmental signs.