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Flooring Questions? |
How does carpet affect the indoor air quality in my home? The flooring professor knows you may be one of many people that are very concerned today about the quality of air in your home. In recent years those very concerns about indoor air quality have caused many people to look at the carpets in their homes as a potential area of concern.
The carpet and rug Institute is the carpet trade association committed to accurately informing people about carpet and dispelling untruths and myths.
They have and continue to work very hard to make sure that the public is informed with complete accuracy with regard to the safety of having carpet in your homes. They have produced a nice brochure that addresses the top ten myths about carpet which includes those regarding to indoor air quality the myths are as follows...
There are health risks associated with carpet
Mold and mildew can grow in carpet
Carpet is a cause of the asthma and allergy increase
Carpet is a sink for allergy causing substances
Carpet is a source of indoor air quality problems (IAQ)
Carpet is more expensive and harder to maintain than hard surface floors
Carpet is environmentally non sustainable
Carpet is a major emitter of volatile organic compounds (VOC's)
Formaldehyde is used in the production of new carpets
Latex in carpet produces allergic reactions
You can view and print the CRI myths and truths about carpet if you would like to know more about the above carpet myths. You will also find useful to know about the CRI green label program which indicates the following criteria
This program ensures a good standard of health safety standards. But if you have extreme concern or are extra sensitive you may want to check out the green label plus program which holds an even higher standard and subjects these products to rigorous independent testing for low emissions.
Many people believe that carpets and how they "think" they pertain to indoor air quality are also a factor in provoking allergy symptoms. There are two sides to every argument and the carpet argument we find quite convincing. The CRI information on allergens and carpet tells a side you may not yet have heard. Indoor air quality in your home is important, but the factors that most affect indoor air quality are not necessarily your carpet as some people believe. It is our opinion that the ONLY way carpet can adversely affect ones health are very severe sensitivities or severely inadequate cleaning and care practices by the homeowner. Unless you fit into one of these two categories please do not be afraid to use carpet in your home.
"Carpet
in the Modern Indoor Environment Summary of a Science-Based Assessment of Carpet"
...When installed and maintained as intended,
carpet is not a risk to public health. When examined in proportion
to its use, carpet is associated with minimal complaints, consumer
dissatisfaction or concern. Research going back over 40 years
consistently shows that carpet is a preferred and widely used floor
covering associated with long-term consumer satisfaction
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