FLOOR COVERINGS
Synthetic carpets and rugs are made from acrylic, nylon and/or polyester fibres. They are also frequently treated with formaldehyde based chemicals.
Wool carpets usually contain various pesticides, which can be harmful.
Some people will complain of pungent fumes from new carpets.
There have been documented cases of toxins being released from carpets and causing serious health effects (e.g. Glenn Beebe of Kentucky, had carpet from his home business analysed and various chemicals released from the carpet were detected including: ethyl benzene, formaldehyde, methacrylic acid, toluene, amines and styrene. Reference: "The Non Toxic Home and Office" by Dadd: Publisher, Tarcher).
· Be suspicious of any floor coverings with a strong smell and check the cause of the smell before using.
· Always read labels and/or literature, to determine any chemicals used in the manufacture of floor coverings.
· Safer choices for carpets include natural materials such as cotton or wool.
· Avoid jute or latex backing if possible.
· Moth proofed animal skins (e.g. sheepskin) or seagrass matting may also be safe alternatives.
Linoleum is generally a safe product. It is made from a mixture (i.e. powdered cork, wood resin, wood flour, linseed oil, chalk), spread over a hessian or jute backing. It has all the advantages of PVC floor coverings, but none of the health hazards. There is however a potential hazard in the material which is used to seal the surface below the linoleum. It must be laid on a damp proof surface and often petrochemical adhesives are used which are toxic and should be avoided. It is preferable to use wood lignin paste as an alternative.
A further problem with carpets is that they may encourage insects, in particular dust mites (and fleas in some situations - particularly if pets are kept inside).
A vapour barrier sealant (available in the <st1:country-region>United States</st1:country-region>) may be used to seal a carpet and reduce the emission of fumes (if it is impossible to live without carpet). Areas containing carpets with any dangerous components should be well ventilated. A breeze through the house, or extraction fans, may remove a significant proportion of toxic fumes before they become a serious problem.
Choose interior furnishings which are not likely to damage human health.
Tile or timber floors may be a healthier option.
Learn more about how buildings can affect your health and how to construct healthy buildings with Healthy Buildings I or Healthy Buildings II. Both of these courses require 100 hours of study and are studied by distance learning.
