Be sure to ask them about the industry's voluntary green label program for new carpet. According to the carpet Industry, the label tells consumers that this carpet type has been tested and passed all emissions criteria. The label is not a guarantee that the carpet will not cause health problems. A toll-free phone number is available on the label for updated information on the green label program.
Ask the retailer to unroll and air out the carpet in a well-ventilated area before installation, or be sure to do this yourself if you are installing it.
Ask for low-emitting adhesives if adhesives are needed, which they probably are.
Be sure that the installer follows industry installation guidelines. There is the Residential Carpet Installation Standard, CRI-105.
Always Be Sure to Ventilate the Area with Fresh Air
This helps reduce chemicals and fumes coming from the carpet installation.
Open all doors and windows. By increasing the amount of fresh air into the home you will reduce exposure to most chemicals released from carpet. During and even after installation, always use window fans and room air conditioners to exhaust fumes to the outdoors. If your home has a ventilation system, be sure it is in proper working order. Operate it during installation, and keep it running for 48 to 72 hours after the new carpet is installed.
It is important to ventilate the area after installing a new carpet because...
Starting in 1988, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received over 500 complaints associated with new carpet installation jobs. CPSC evaluated many of those complaints. Most frequently-reported were symptoms of watery eyes, runny nose, burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, rashes, and fatigue. The CPSC is currently investigating the relationship between the carpets and the reported health problems associated with them.
Those complaints led the CPSC to study chemicals that come from carpeting and whether or not those chemicals could cause the same health problems that people reported. The CPSC collected carpet samples directly from the production line. Laboratory work was performed to determine the types and quantities of chemicals released from carpet cushions used under the carpet. They do not currently have evidence that specific chemical emissions are responsible for health complaints associated with carpet installation. At this time the cause of these health problems and the implication of these findings for human health are not known. Studies to determine the significance of these reports are in progress.
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