Are New Carpets Toxic

Carpet adhesive is spread over the entire surface and is usually sb latex.

Are new carpets toxic. The healthiest non toxic wall to wall carpets that are either 0 voc or low voc. Carpet toxicity anderson laboratories test results and a class action lawsuit. There are many different types of vocs but the one related to new carpet odor is 4 phenylcyclohexene 4 pch a by product of the synthetic latex binders used to hold the carpet backing together. In addition to the toxic exposure from the carpet itself another concern comes from the ability of the carpet to trap and hold airborne household volatile organic compounds vocs as well as lawn care chemicals tracked in from outside.

The popular new carpet smell is familiar to anyone that has had new standard carpet installed. Seam sealants release 1 1 1 trichloroethane and toluene. In the home children are more likely to be exposed to pollution in carpets. 4 phenyl cyclohexaneis a gas that is produced from chemical reactions between the styrene and.

Vocs are what create new car smell new carpet smell and the smell that you probably don t enjoy so much after you paint a room. Toxic gases in the air can stick to small particles that settle into carpets. April 1993 new york state department of law abrams r. New carpets can contain several known carcinogens including formaldehyde ethylbenzene acetone toluene and styrene.

As a new carpet gradually releases or off gasses chemical residue the chemicals enter the air where we can smell them. Memorandum from the carpet and rug institute to the carpet industry and retailers. While the new carpet smell might be preferable to the musty smell associated with old and dirty carpets this smell is produced by 4 phenyl cyclohexane 4 pc. 1 these pollutants may become airborne during renovations vacuuming or even daily activities like walking on the carpet.

Natural options for residential and commercial settings like untreated organic wool and sisal as well as the safest synthetics out there. Consider installing solid surface flooring such as tile or solid hardwood flooring with area rugs instead of a fully carpeted floor. The vocs responsible for new carpet smell are 4 phenylcyclohexene 4 pch and to a lesser extent styrene. Carpets are sometimes labeled as being dangerous to people with chemical sensitivities yet industry persists in using carpet adhesives and seam sealants cushions and pads emitting dangerous toxic chemical fumes.

While carpets are a somewhat safer than they in 1988 there are still toxic problems associated with carpets. The smell can be stuck in memory for decades to come and the health effects may stick around as well. Chemicals in new carpets pose potential health hazard. These chemicals also cause hallucinations nerve damage and respiratory illness in humans.

Please refer to this article. Contain toluene benzene formaldehyde ethyl benzene styrene acetone and a host of other chemicals that are known carcinogens and produce fetal abnormalities in test animals. Toxic emissions from new carpets.