Your Carpet Can Make You Sick

Carpets can emit VOCs for five years or possibly more, as carpet has been reported to release toxics like PFAS over time with “routine wear and tear.” Synthetic carpets are made from nylon fibers with a polypropylene backing, releasing over 40 chemicals including styrene and 4-phenylcyclohexane (4-PC), both of which come from the latex backing used on 95 percent of carpets.

The “new carpet” odor is the 4-PC off-gassing, which can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation and may also affect the central nervous system. The adhesive used to affix the carpet to the floor typically contains benzene and toluene, some of the most harmful VOCs. We’ve contacted various entities including the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) asking about the details on chemicals in adhesives, but have not heard back. For all the detail you could ever need about toxics in carpeting, see this report by the Healthy Building Network.

You’ve probably already found the advice of the EPA, which is to ventilate the carpeted area well for at least 72 hours after installation by opening windows and using fans that move air directly to the outdoors. They also recommend to use fans during installation and for several weeks afterward. We’ve found conflicting information on the effectiveness of HEPA filter vacuums and other cleanings methods, so we don’t recommend that as a complete solution. Beyond that preliminary advice, that may not make a big impact over time, there are a couple options: a) lose the carpet, or b) spring for a more expensive, healthier option if you must have carpets/rugs.

1.   When there’s a choice, the best alternative is to rip out wall-to-wall carpet and remove synthetic area rugs. Make sure you hire professionals for carpet removal, as chemicals will be dislodged during this project that could trigger your symptoms. Even the best wall-to-wall carpet is a haven for dust mites, mold spores, and lingering VOCs.

2.   If you can’t get rid of carpet completely, opt for a natural fiber carpet or area rug such as wool, with a natural backing like jute. Other natural fiber materials include bamboo, cork, sisal, coir, seagrass, and more. Pick carpet that doesn’t need adhesive (can be tacked down or screwed/nailed down), or opt for natural fiber area rugs.

In addition, make sure that the area rugs or carpets you choose:

   

  Have been tested for VOC emissions under the CRI IAQ Green Label Plus testing program (note: we’ve tried to get information from CRI about this how prevalent this label is, and if it only applies to US-made carpets, but have not heard back).

  Can be easily cleaned and maintained with fragrance free carpet shampoos

  Have not been through chemical treatments such as permanent stain resistance, mothproofing, and antimicrobial agents such as fungicides and mildewcides.

  Are constructed to prevent liquids from penetrating the backing layer where moisture under the carpet can result in mold growth (avoid moisture repellant/resistant chemicals).

  Can be easily removed without the use of toxic chemicals (for dislodging adhesives, etc.)

  Have been unrolled and aired out in a clean, dry warehouse before bringing them into your building. (You can ask installers for this – it is called ‘warehousing’ a carpet).

  Are not made of recycled synthetic materials. Sounds green, but isn’t a guarantee against toxics!

  Have GoodWeave or other child-labor-free certification.

Use this Environmental Working Group guide to help you find a healthier alternative to toxic carpets and flooring. The healthier choice can be more expensive, but those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), asthma, respiratory problems, and environmental illnesses, as well as those with young children, may find it necessary. Don’t forget to vacuum and change furnace filters often, and to quickly dry carpet if it gets wet.

The EPA recommends (and we do too!) consumers like you to ask manufacturers for certification on environmental claims. They say “certain independent organizations provide testing and auditing services related to environmental standards and other environmental claims, such as recycled content and emissions data. In the absence of independent certification, ask for formal statements signed by senior company officials.” This can really help put the pressure on producers to give us the information we need!

Since you’re a renter, the burden will likely be on you to find and present these healthier options to your landlord, who might be willing to make a change if they are willing to work with the cost and procurement process. Unless there are issues with mold or other infestations, you are likely responsible. Contact your city renters’/tenants’ rights hotline for more information, as landlord responsibility can vary by city.  

The above article is from Ask the EcoTeam: My New CarpetIs Off Gassing!

Founded in 1969, the Ecology Center is a nonprofit organization located in Berkeley, California that focuses on improving the health and the environmental impacts of urban residents. We address critical issues through a model of education, demonstration, replication, and advocacy. We envision a world where human activity nurtures the ecosystems that we all depend on — a world of sustainable cities; empowered, resilient communities; zero waste and zero toxics; equal access to healthy food; sustainable resource use; and a safe and stable climate...