Indoor Air Quality and Carpeting
This information courtesy Shaw Industries, Inc., from the Publication “Carpet and The Indoor Environment.”
Carpet, An Indoor Tradition
Because
we spend approximately 90% of our time indoors, we are becoming
more aware of the indoor environment. How many of us realize the
important role carpet plays in improving the quality of our
lifestyles? After all, carpet enhances the beauty of
our homes and buildings and often determines how
interiors are perceived.
Carpet is the flooring of choice in the United States, accounting
for well over half of all floor covering purchases in the country.
The reasons for its popularity are practical as well as
decorative.
Unlike
other floor coverings, carpet is a natural insulator, providing
warmth in the winter and retaining cool air during the summer
months. Carpet reduces noise pollution by eliminating distracting
clatter. It is soft underfoot, providing a comfortable, non-slip
walking surface that reduces fatigue and minimizes the danger of
injury from falls and accidents.
Perhaps more significant is the fact that the US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) scientists have concluded that carpet can
be beneficial in trapping and immobilizing potential
allergy-causing particulates, preventing them from reentering the
air stream, if the carpet is properly cleaned and maintained. A
1990 study in Sweden determined that levels of particulate
contaminants, bacteria, and fungi in indoor air in carpeted areas
were always far below levels in the air above hard surface floors.
Similar results have been obtained in other studies in American
hospitals.
However,
as our homes and public buildings have become more energy
efficient, they have also become tighter, locking in a higher
level of foreign matter than before. Chemicals and microscopic
particles are emitted into the air by various sources - paint,
furniture, furnishings, cleaners, wall coverings, air conditioning
systems, pets, and, to a small degree, carpet.
Shaw
Industries is actively involved with the EPA and the Carpet and Rug Institute
(CRI), as well as other in dependant and government organizations, in researching
the role of carpet in indoor air quality. We have reduced the emissions from our
products, and we are researching ways to reduce emissions even further.
To help consumers understand more about carpet’s role in indoor
air quality, we have developed this information to provide answers
to the questions most often asked and to offer recommendations for
improving and protecting the indoor environment.
Answers to Questions Regarding
Carpet and the Indoor Air
Past
efforts to clean the air focused on pollution outdoors rather than
indoors. The quality of air has become more of an issue in recent
years, and research has shown that indoor air typically contains a
higher level of pollutants than outdoor air. This is due primarily
to poor or inadequate ventilation. The pollutants include
chemicals, a variety of microscopic particles, various bacteria,
and fungi (mold and mildew).
The
chemicals, called VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), originate from a wide
variety of sources, such as building materials, furnishings, cleaning agents,
paints and varnishes, wall coverings, cooking vapors, heating/cooling systems,
pets, and even the human body. New carpets may also give off extremely low levels
of chemical emissions for a few days after installation.
What
role does carpet have in the indoor environment?
New
carpet may give off a low level of emissions for a few days
following installation. The level is significantly lower than many
other household products and furnishings, such as paints and wall
covering. Millions of customers every year enjoy the benefits of
carpet with total satisfaction.
How
long will the emissions last?
Emission
from new carpet drops substantially within the first 24 hours after installation.
They dissipate to an undetectable level within several days if adequate ventilation
is provided.
What
about the odor from new carpet?
The
odor from new carpet is much like the odor found in a new car or
in leather, and it should disappear in a short time. If the odor
is objectionable, fresh air ventilation is the best method to
eliminate it. Open windows and doors and operate your fan system
during the removal of the old carpet and installation of new
carpet, as well as during any construction project.
Those
who find the odor from new carpet offensive, or who might be
unusually allergic or hypersensitive, should consider avoiding the
area during and immediately following installation.
The
odor is not harmful, but providing maximum air flow after
installation should quickly dissipate the odor.
Is
formaldehyde causing a problem with indoor air quality?
Formaldehyde
is not used in manufacturing carpet. However, it is found in other
home furnishings and household products. Trace amounts may be
absorbed by carpet or any other textile product.
Statement
from The Carpet and Rug Institute:
“The
Carpet and Rug Institute has conducted surveys of the carpet industry to determine
if formaldehyde is used in the carpet manufacturing process. The survey results
confirmed that no raw materials with formaldehyde additives were being used.
Carpet
as it leaves the final manufacturing process does not contribute
formaldehyde to the environment. However, it is not uncommon to
detect trace amounts of formaldehyde in both the outdoor and
indoor environments since it is a naturally occurring substance.
The primary source of formaldehyde is the incomplete combustion of
hydrocarbons, most notable through automobile emissions, etc.
As
an additional confirmation of the absence of formaldehyde in carpet, the Carpet
and Rug Institute’s Indoor Air Quality Testing Program (Green Label/Green
Label Plus) specifically monitors this chemical. Carpet may absorb formaldehyde
from the air; therefore, tests of carpet from the marketplace may indicate a presence
of formaldehyde.”
Are
there any dyes or chemicals used in manufacturing carpet which
may be potentially dangerous?
All
dyes and chemicals used in the manufacturing process have been thoroughly tested
and found to be safe in the carpet delivered to customers. They help to enhance
carpet’s beauty, durability and stain resistant capability. These are essentially
the same dyes and chemicals used in clothing.
Are
some carpets better than other for indoor air quality?
Carpet
is available in a wide variety of styles made from yarn of
different fiber types, and what is best for a particular situation
is largely a matter of personal preference. There is no difference
between natural and synthetic fibers relating to indoor air
quality.
Both
kinds should be given proper care and maintenance, and both will
provide years of comfort and enjoyment.
If
new carpet is not considered harmful, what could cause the
allergic reactions some people have experienced?
The
most likely cause is airborne dust and biological particulates. Many people are
allergic to dust, and its presence may be widespread, resulting from numerous
sources.
Fine
particles accumulate in, under, and around carpet and other
furnishings. When old carpet is removed, large concentrations of
particulates, such as dust, dust mites, and other allergens, are
often released. Even new homes or offices can be the source of a
problem, since significant amounts of dust from the construction
process can irritate the eyes and upper respiratory tract.
While
scientific evidence clearly demonstrates that carpet is safe, we
recognize the possibility that a small group of people might be
unusually sensitive to a variety of indoor products. We recommend
everyone follow the proper installation, maintenance, and cleaning
instructions included in this information.
How
can consumers best protect their indoor environment?
The
problems that many people may be experiencing with indoor air quality involve
a combination of factors which are complex in nature. One of the best solutions,
however, is simple: ventilate the home or building regularly. Windows and doors
should be left open periodically to release stale air and dissipate some particulates
which build up in closed environments.
Of
critical importance is the condition of our heating/air
conditioning systems, as inefficient or faulty systems are the
primary sources of poor indoor air quality. Replace filters
regularly and have your ventilation system inspected to verify
that it is in good working order.
To
control fungi, such as mildew, repair leaks promptly, as water
damage to building materials and furnishings promotes the growth
of these organisms.
Regular
maintenance and cleaning of carpet will also help to remove
trapped particulates and prevent build-up. When installing new
carpet, vacuum the old carpet and keep the entire area clean
during the installation process to minimize the level of
particulates.
It
is prudent to keep the area well ventilated during installation
and for several days thereafter.
Also,
those who believe that they are unusually allergic or
hypersensitive should consider avoiding the area during and
immediately following installation or any other reconstruction.
What
is the carpet industry doing to address the indoor air quality
issue?
Many
consumer concerns are based on lack of knowledge about the issue,
and we believe the material you are reading provides needed
information.
Shaw
Industries is also playing a leading role in the carpet industry’s efforts
to minimize emissions from carpet and is lending its technical capabilities and
facilities to industry research.
Since
any new or unusual odor may be perceived as a problem, levels of
4-PC in the latex used in most carpet have been lowered by more
than 70% over the past two years. The industry is examining ways
to make even more reductions.
In
addition, Shaw Industries participates in the industry’s efforts to minimize
all emissions from carpet. Carpet that meets the industry’s new voluntary
emissions-reduction requirements, established by the Carpet and Rug Institute
(CRI), receives a green certification label listing the manufacturer’s identification
number, as well as an “800” number consumers may call for additional
information: 1-800-882-8846. The industry firmly believes that proper installation
and maintenance of carpet will have a positive effect on indoor air quality by
removing particulates from the environment.
What
independent testing has been done on carpet as it relates to
indoor air quality?
The
EPA, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, toxicologists, and university and
independent laboratories have conducted extensive research on carpet and the role
it plays in indoor air quality. Studies have been performed to determine the rate
of emissions of VOC’s, process variables, toxicity data, and health risk
assessment.
To
date, the weight of scientific evidence has been very reassuring
and demonstrates that carpet is safe.
What
about the Anderson Laboratories tests on mice? Didn’t their results show
that the mice they tested were adversely affected by carpet?
A
group of independent scientists has reviewed the Anderson tests and has told the
carpet industry that the research was “seriously flawed.” Anderson
Laboratories’ findings, the panel said, are “irrelevant” for
reaching any conclusions on the subject of carpet and human health.
The
Anderson research lacks experimental detail and controls, and
other researchers have been unable to interpret the results. In
addition, the tests have not been subjected to peer review by
other scientists, which is a standard practice when attempting to
establish scientific credibility. Neither the EPA nor other
credible laboratories have validated these tests, and Dr. Anderson
has refused to provide samples of the carpet in question to the
EPA or industry for study.
What
role do carpet padding and adhesives have in the indoor environment?
As
with carpet, research has shown padding to be a safe product.
Since padding is generally part of the whole floor covering
system, simply follow the same ventilation suggestions given for
carpet.
Adhesives
are rarely used in residential settings. Multi-purpose and regular
adhesives can be a source of emissions, but they should dissipate
in a short time. Most modern adhesives, which are used primarily
in commercial installations, have reduced levels of solvents to
decrease odors and emissions. If you need to use an adhesive for a
residential or commercial setting, request one of the newly
formulated products which are low in emissions.
Related Information:
- New Carpet Odor
- Use our Find a Cleaner page to find a Bane-Clene carpet care professional near you or call our toll free locator service at 800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!), Bane-Clene’s Toll-Free Locator Service.
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