Carpet information for chemically sensitive people

Carpets are everywhere, in offices, schools, hotels, and can have a big effect on your health. I personally cannot be in any room where the carpet is less than two years old. I know of places where the carpets are much older, and still affects me, at least I think it is the carpet.

There is still controversy on whether carpets can have health effects or not. I know beyond any doubt it affects me, though the carpet manufacturers are said not to think so. Of course, the Tobacco Institute claims there are no health hazards to smoking either...

I'm still very much learning, but I have found out that the most chemicals are in the padding under the carpet, and in the glues. The glues gas off in a couple of months, while the toxic chemicals used in the carpets itself, and the padding, release fumes for many years, though at decreasing levels.

If you must have a carpet, try if you can install it without the padding. Also, make sure it complies with some of the (minimal) industry standards. You can see it does by having this label. (Label courtesy of Environmental Building News).

A series of articles about the toxic effect of carpets have been published by Cindy Duehring, who in 1997 received the Right Livelihood Award, dubbed Sweden's Alternative Nobel Prize.

There are companies specializing in non-toxic carpets and flooring.

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