Can Carpeting Make You Sick?

For a few days after installation, all new carpets emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), air pollutants associatedwith carpet manufacture. Though emissions are generally at a very low level, not everyone agrees what level is "safe."Ronald Gots, a medical doctor and toxicologist who heads a Rockville, Md., consulting firm on indoor air quality, says carpet emissions aren't known to cause irritation, but theoretically people with asthma or allergies "might be more sensitive than most." The same people may also be affected by dirt, dust mites, and mildew that can build up in carpeting.Over recent years, independent researchers, government agencies, and an industry group have been conducting research to find out what is emitted from carpeting and how it might affect human health. The weight of the current scientific evidenceindicates that the level of VOCs emitted is probably not harmful to most people. Still, the Consumer Product Safety Commission continues to get complaints from people who suspect their new carpet may have caused symptoms noted in the voluntary health warning.

Since the chemical smell of new carpeting may bother some people, the Carpet and Rug Institute, an industry group, has made reduction of "4-PC," the most odorous carpeting VOC, one goal of its Indoor Air Quality Carpet Testing Program. Under the program, an independent lab tests representative carpets four times a year to see that they emit certain VOCs below levels set by an institute panel. Carpets that pass, as well as those made at the same mill and of the samematerials, may carry a "green label" as well as the health advisory. Most carpets in our study have the label. Is it reliable? It may not be comprehensive or answer all the questions, but it's a valuable sign that the industry is making an effort to minimize the problems that are known.

To help avoid problems (no matter what the cause), you can:

• Look for the green label, which shows that a carpet meets industry standards.
• Ask the installer to air out a new carpet for a day or so before installation. After it's installed, keep windows open and a fan going for two or three days.
• Make sure the installer seals seams with adhesives that have a CRI green label. Glue is another potential source of VOCs.
• Vacuum frequently and deep-clean the carpet at least annually to avoid triggering other allergic reactions.

© 2001 Green Home, Inc.