Have you ever been in a home with brand new carpets? Did you know that the "new carpet" odor is actually the carpet (and the adhesive used to install it) off-gassing? The chemicals used during the manufacturing and treatment process are being released into the air. These toxins include things like formaldehyde and 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH) that can be harmful to your family's health, particularly if someone in the household is sensitive to odors or has breathing problems.
If you've already installed a carpet and are experiencing problems with the smell, you won't be able to cover the smell, but you may be able to speed the gas dissipation. Try using a water extraction cleaning method � it may help. Always open your windows and use an extraction fan, and try alternating periods of high heat with open windows to speed up the process. Add houseplants to the room � according to a NASA study; plants will increase your indoor air quality by filtering harmful pollutants. Try gerbera daisies, bamboo palms or spider plants.
If you are looking at having new carpet put in, ask the distributor to air out your carpet before it's installed. Use felt padding instead of traditional carpet pad, or better yet, reuse your current padding if it can be salvaged. If the carpet will be glued down, ask for a low-VOC, non-solvent or water-based glue.
When choosing carpet, look for natural fibers such as wool, cotton, camel's hair, hemp, sea grass, jute or sisal. Ask what they have been treated with, because even natural fibers can be treated with harmful chemicals. Natural fibers should be biodegradable, and are usually produced from renewable sources, which is an added bonus. Remember to clean them regularly with non-toxic, natural cleaning products for optimal indoor health. Natural carpets may have a higher allergen/dust potential, which can make them unsuitable if someone in the house is sensitive.
If you do have sensitivities in the household, it may be best to avoid carpet altogether because it's easy for small particles to get trapped in. Some kinds of cork, rapidly renewable bamboo or natural linoleum are better options. In addition to being hypo-allergenic and resilient, cork is a sound-dampener, warm on the feet, and fire, bug and water resistant. Cork is also sound-absorbing, warm and anti-allergenic. You can find similar properties in natural or environmentally preferred linoleum, with no harmful off-gassing.
Healthier building materials are becoming more common as the demand for these kinds of products grows. With a little research you will find the perfect floor for the whole family to enjoy. Remember, the new floor is more than an investment in your health � it will also increase the value in your home.
