Asthma and allergies: Although we might not normally
associate carpet with improved indoor air quality, it does have a very positive
effect. Gravity causes common household particles, such as dust, pollen and pet
and insect dander, to fall to the floor. Carpet fibers trap the particles,
reducing their continued circulation in the air. Proper cleaning with CRI-approved vacuums effectively removes dust and allergens from the carpet, locks them
in the machine and helps keep them out of the air we breathe.
A misperception is that people with asthma and allergies should avoid carpet
in the home. But much of today’s carpet is made from harmless materials found
in clothing and other everyday fabrics, such as polyester, nylon, triexta, and
olefin fibers, which don’t trouble most people.
Mold and VOC misperceptions: Other misperceptions about
carpet involve mold and the emission of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. In
fact, it is very hard to grow mold on carpet. Mold grows in any moist
environment where dirt and dust provide nutrients. When carpet is kept clean
and dry, mold simply cannot grow on synthetic fibers.
Carpet is also wrongly linked to high VOC levels. Scientific studies show
that new carpet is one of the lowest emitters of VOCs into the indoor
environment, and that these emissions dissipate very quickly. The low-level VOC
emissions and the harmless odor from new carpet disappear within the first 48 to
72 hours after installation and even sooner with open windows or doors.
The Carpet and Rug Institute offers Green Label testing and certification to indicate carpet, carpet backings,
cushions and adhesives that emit low VOCs.
~ Courtsey of The Carpet and Rug Institute
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