New carpets can go a long way in sprucing up your space. However, many new carpets have an off-gassing period in which they emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemicals that often come from various household products like paints, lacquer, printers, pesticides, cleaning supplies, carpets, and adhesives. New carpets and the adhesive used to install them may emit hazardous toxins into your home and the air you breathe.
Why the Danger
Carpet VOCs are known to cause nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and even damage to the central nervous system. They are also known to cause lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system responsible for carrying the white blood cells throughout the body. They can cause neurological damage as well as birth defects. This is why it is necessary to be wary of carpet chemicals before installing new carpets in your home.
Green Carpets
Today, you can find eco friendly carpets that reduce your health risk. A green carpet is usually made from recycled materials such as nylon, wool, or plastic soda bottles. Some new green carpets are actually made from recycled carpets. These carpets then become a renewable material instead of being added to the landfills. Carpet pads that are made from recycled nylon carpets are installed using tacks, and not glue. This minimizes the adhesive VOCs in the air during carpet installation.
If you are unsure of which green carpet to buy, you can look for the “green label” of the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI). This organization promotes the use eco-friendly carpets in every home using science-based research. Through their CRI Indoor Air Quality Carpet Testing Program, they test carpets for VOC emissions. Once a carpet receives the CRI green label, you are assured that the carpets have passed strict standards for low VOC emissions.
Other Options
In an attempt to minimize indoor air pollutants, some people try to air out the carpet in an open-air area to diffuse the chemicals. They may also try scheduling carpet installation at a time that the home would be unoccupied. This may help to avoid the initial off-gassing, however, the out-gassing process can last from a few weeks to a few years. And semi-volatile organic compounds which are also harmful outgas more slowly, adhering to the surroundings for even longer lengths of time. Without proper ventilation, these gases contribute up to 60% of the air in a closed environment.
If eco-friendly carpets are not an option, then minimize the exposure with proper ventilation. Keeping a door or window open or using fans or other means of ventilation can help to release the immediate chemicals that are released from a new carpet.
