“New” can be a wonderful scent. A new car with leather interior, an carpet Easter Lily for Mom, freshly baked lasagna – to say nothing of the perfect scent of a newborn child.
“New”, on the other hand, can be highly over-rated. New coats of stain and varnish on a hardwood floor can leave you gasping for air. And then there’s new carpeting. Whether you like that odor or not, what’s causing the odor can produce negative health effects.
Understanding the Risks:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Rug and Carpet Manufacturing
Some rug and carpet manufacturers include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in their production formulas. That familiar smell can last for weeks or months, which means that, during that entire period, you’re inhaling pollutants such as formaldehyde, ethanol, carbon disulfide, and others you’re probably not familiar with, but still not meant for human inhalation.
Carpet odor emission also is known as off gassing. And yet, no matter what you call it, the net effect can be severe allergy and asthma problems. The fire-retardant neurotoxins found in some carpets also can cause fatigue and rashes.
So, before you make your next purchase, do a little research. One thing you’ll discover is that since 1993, carpet manufacturers are required to label their products with a health advisory that reads as follows: “Some people experience allergic or flu-like symptoms, headaches, or respiratory problems, which are associated with the installation, cleaning or removal of carpeting.”
Better yet, confine your search to carpeting that bears the Green Label or Green Label Plus symbol. Green Label products have been certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) as the lowest emitting, carpet, adhesive and cushion products on the market.
Another way to provide your family with healthier indoor air is with a whole-house air filtration system from Anthony’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We have several indoor air quality solutions to offer, and we’d be happy to help you choose the one best suited to your needs. Contact us today for more information or a free in-home proposal.
