Air Quality and Carpet Installation

Check to ensure that your new carpet meets indoor air quality standards. Carpet can be a major source of indoor air contamination, although some tests show that carpet is one of the lowest emitters of VOCs among various interior products. The styrene butadiene latex rubber used to adhere face fibers to backing materials and the adhesives used to install carpets generate volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Carpets also cover large surfaces within an interior environment and can provide "sinks" for the absorption of VOCs from other sources. Carpets should never be installed near entrance doors or areas where moisture and organic matter can contaminate them. Carpet fibers are an excellent medium for dust mites and microbial agents, especially if the carpet becomes wet and cannot be properly dried. If installing carpet with VOCs, make sure that the carpet carries the CRI Indoor Air Quality Carpet Testing Green label. Installing carpets in strict accordance with the Carpet and Rug Institute guidelines as well as additional measures such as requiring suppliers to unroll and air-out carpets in the warehouse before bringing them into the building will minimize the risks of indoor air quality problems resulting from the carpet. Tests indicate that carpet emissions will dissipate within 48 to 72 hours with proper ventilation.

Alternatives to commercial carpets installed in rolls with adhesives containing VOCs include carpet tiles with tackless installation. Carpet tiles allow for the replacement of individual tiles when they are soiled or damaged. Fusion-bonded carpets use heat instead of adhesives to bond the face fiber to the primary backing, thereby reducing VOCs that are introduced into the building by the carpet. A variety of adhesives are included in the CRI Green label program. Water based adhesives are now available (see distributors below).

Rubber-based recycled padding is common and can outgas. Recycled padding from carpet fibers may be more suitable for environmentally sensitive persons. Carpet cushion is tested in the CRI program and a variety of cushion products qualify to carry the CRI Green label.