What carpets are toxic?

Many synthetic carpets are treated with perfluorinated chemicals, or PFCs, to waterproof them and prevent stains. These chemicals, found in products such as Stainmaster or Scotchgard, have been identified as probable carcinogens and are associated with birth defects and hormonal disorders. Most carpets without volatile organic compounds or with an extremely low VOC content are made of polyester (PET or PTT). There are some polyester rugs that have a high gas emission content for me.

I make a list of those that I have found that are the best. Antimicrobial chemicals are often used on carpets to protect them against dust mites, mold, bacteria and fungi, and are used in the treatment of carpet fibers and supports. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control has identified carpets and carpets as the greatest potential sources of significant and widespread exposure to PFAS, especially in children. We recently saw a small stock of combined wool and wool rugs in a store and some of them had a CRI certificate (in addition to the minimum score, ecological advice, etc.).

The Nature's carpet, made of wool, also states that it can be installed on concrete without a vapor barrier because it is breathable. In the late 1980s, workers at the headquarters of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) complained that information carpets in offices were causing them respiratory problems and flu-like symptoms. Unlike conventional carpets, these two brands don't require glue to melt at the seams or bottom. The Fedora is a special line made of recycled plastic (PET) and has very few volatile organic compounds (VOC).

It had a much lower chemical smell than carpets than your usual nylon lines. As a result of complaints filed with the EPA, the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) began a campaign to keep consumers informed and reduce levels of chemicals in carpets. As a result, most of the “Red List Free” carpets currently installed in Living Building Challenge certified buildings (except Interface products) could be coated with stain-resistant PFAS chemicals. As a result, they tend to absorb even more toxic chemicals through skin contact, inhalation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and ingestion of carpets (micro), fibers and dust due to their hand-to-mouth behavior.

First, check carpet cleaning products on resources such as the Environmental Working Group database to rule out any toxic substances by eliminating some of the worst ingredients and choosing a safer carpet cleaner. If you need carpets, opt for wall-to-wall carpets to reduce your exposure to adhesives and other hazardous installation materials. Apparently, the culprits were chemicals applied to carpets to protect them from stains, fire and microbial chemicals. For people with allergies who feel like they can't clean a regular carpet enough, this would be a better option.