The precautionary principle states that we should live our lives as consumers with an eye toward caution-- if there is a risk a product could contain toxins, then simply avoid it. There are well over 80,000 synthetic chemicals in the market, most of which are generated from petroleum. Through expensive and time consuming research, many of these chemicals have proved to be toxic to the body. Thousands of synthetics have not been tested due to time and money, but this doesn’t mean that we have to be guinea pigs, risking the quality of our lives. In addition to living by the precautionary principle, we must keep in mind that the US government has, and I can’t emphasize this enough, very weak laws regarding the health and protection of the consumer. Within the current framework of the law, corporations do not have to publish “proprietary” blends of scents and composites. The consumer pays for this in not only dollars, but in health and quality of life.
So by now it probably doesn’t surprise you that most carpets and rugs are made using harmful solvents and chemicals that outgas once unrolled or glued onto your floor. So what exactly outgases from a carpet? I wish it was velvety goodness, but it’s not.
Volatile Organic Compounds, better known as VOCs, make up a huge component of carpets and rugs. These synthetic compounds are petrochemicals derived from oil, gas and coal. Carpets outgas these dangerous vapors at room temperature which are then inhaled.
The specific VOCs that are consistently produced in carpets and some rugs are toulene, benzene, formaldehyde, styrene, and acetone. These VOCs are known carcinogens and can possibly cause fetal abnormalities, nerve damage, and respiratory problems. Other more common symptoms include rashes, headaches, chronic sinus infections and coughs, joint and muscle pain, inability to concentrate and memory loss. Some research has indicated that carpets can outgas for up to three years after installation-- far beyond the date of that “new carpet” smell, which is also toxic. (Toulene, benzene and acetone are also used heavily in conventional cosmetic products for those of you keeping count).
Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. Brominated fire retardants, known as PBDEs also cause a myriad of health problems. It’s usually used in the padding under your carpet, TVs, mattresses, and couches-- yikes! The manufacturing of PBDEs seems to have been outlawed in the US, but is still produced in China. On a less serious note, but rather disturbing, carpets are also a perfect breeding ground for dust mites, the feces of which cause allergies and respiratory problems.
To a fully-grown and developed adult, being exposed to these synthetics can accumulate in the body over time, maybe causing problems, maybe not. Some of this depends on your own body chemistry and whether or not you’ve been exposed to other harmful chemicals throughout the course of your life.
What is fully accepted and not up for debate is the fact that carpets and rugs act as a kitchen sink and reservoir for not only the hazardous chemicals that come with purchasing such a product, but also the junk and gunk that is accumulated from our own doing. Spills, dirty shoes, dogs, cats all contribute to the bacterial buildup of a carpet. Carpets “keep” and absorb everything which becomes part of the air we breathe in our own homes. Making matters worse, is that the particles from the carpet latch onto dust, which is inhaled and possibly recirculated depending on the quality of your heating and cooling systems.
Carpets and rugs are certainly harmful to adults, but of more concern is the most vulnerable. Infants, toddlers, and young children spend a significant amount of time on the floor, inhaling VOCs and bacteria at point blank range. The development of every system (neurological, immunological and skeletal) in their developing bodies are exposed to these chemicals that have no business being part of any home. Think of it this way. We all breathe in about 35-40 pounds of air per day. That air needs to be as clean and pure as possible, for adults and especially children.
Solutions:
Below are suggestions not only for carpets, but best practices for creating and sustaining a healthy home.
*Always use a HEPA filter vacuum. Conventional vacuums usually recirculate toxic dust back into the air.
*Use a HEPA air purifier.
*Go green! Literally! Buy plants. Bamboo Palms, Areca Palms, Boston Ferns, English Ivy, Aloe plants all go a long way into reducing the VOCs emitted from carpets and rugs.
- Open the windows! Use your nose, if you feel the air is stagnant or contains an odor, etc-- air your home out! I can’t tell you how many cold winter mornings I freeze for a few moments just to air out the bedroom.
If you’re in the market for a new carpet or rug, you may find the following ideas helpful.
- Rugs made of natural materials such as sea grass, jute, and coir (made from coconut husk fiber) are healthy alternatives.
- More sisal and hemp rugs are on the market.
- Look for the “Green Label Certification.” If a carpet or rug is marked with this you can be certain that a battery of lab tests have been completed on 13 of the most harmful chemicals found in carpets.
*If you’re going to use cleaning products, use ones that are labeled as non-toxic. I have personally used AFM SafeChoice Carpet Shampoo, Seal and Lock-Out.
And please! Put pressure on your local politicians and companies for more transparency. Demand for our rights as consumers to purchase products with confidence and peace of mind. Just recently, Suffolk County, NY banned BPA in all of their receipts. Whether it’s from governmental regulations or from personal choices, having a healthy home happens one step at a time.
For more information on how to offset the harmful chemicals in your home and protect your family. Please contact Neill Alleva at neillalleva@me.com
be your own advocate when it comes to maintaining a healthy home.
Neill is currently working on his Building Biology Practitioner Certification at the
International Institute for Bau-Biologie and Ecology.
