What About Carpet?
In recent years, a number of consumers have associated a variety of symptoms with the installation of new carpet. Scientists have not been able to determine whether the chemicals emitted by new carpets are responsible. If you are installing new carpet, you may wish to take the following steps:- Talk to your carpet retailer. Ask for information on emissions from carpet.
- Ask the retailer to unroll and air out the carpet in a well-ventilated area before installation.
- Ask for low-emitting adhesives if adhesives are needed.
- Consider leaving the premises during and immediately after carpet installation. You may wish to schedule the installation when most family members or office workers are out.
- Be sure the retailer requires the installer to follow the Carpet and Rug Institute's installation guidelines.
- Open doors and windows. Increasing the amount of fresh air in the home will reduce exposure to most chemicals released from carpet. During and after installation, use window fans, room air conditioners, or other mechanical ventilation equipment you may have installed in your house, to exhaust fumes to the outdoors. Keep them running for 48 to 72 hours after the new carpet is installed.
- Contact your carpet retailer if objectionable odors persist.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper carpet maintenance.
Next in this series... When Building a New Home.
*Content provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency. CPSC Document #450. This document is public domain.*
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