Carpets

Numerous hazardous substances are emitted from most carpets, posing a potential danger to consumers. Many people have actually suffered injuries from exposure to the volatile organic compounds (VOCS) emitted from newly installed carpets. In many instances, the injuries have been substantial, including onset of asthma, allergies, and multiple chemical sensitivities. New synthetic carpeting out gasses many different chemicals. These include formaldehyde, ethylbenzene, toluene, xylene, acetonitrile, styrene, trichloroethylene, azulene, benzene, diphenyl ether, dodecane, among others (see Toxic Carpet III, a book by Beebe, G., Cincinnati, OH, 1991 - see listing for Mr. Beebe below).



• See Anderson Labs for carpet testing. Visit their site at http://www.andersonlaboratories.com/. They are capable of testing a couple square feet of carpet to determine how toxic it is. It is my understanding that they heat the carpet the same as if the sun were on it and then send that air to the mice and watch for things like convulsions and death.
• See Antibody Assay Laboratories under Laboratories for Immunologic Tests for illness from new carpet exposure. They have performed immunologic tests on children and adults exposed to new carpeting in schools, at home and in the office. The tests have demonstrated several common observations. My initial comments were excerpted from their write up.
• Carpet Testing: National Toxics Campaign Fund, 1168 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02134. (617)232-0327.
• Carpet Testing: Reed Environmental Services. (606)344-8686. Kenneth Reed.
• See Immunosciences Lab.
• Information: Write to Bill Hirzy, National Federation of Federal Employees Local 2050 Headquarters, U.S. EPA, P.O. Box 76082, Washington, D.C. 20013. (202)260-2383.
• Information: Call U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, TSCA Assistance Information Service (202)554-1404.
• Information: Call or write to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) at (800)638-2772.
• Nature's Carpet sells untreated wool carpet. I have a sample and it doesn't have fumes. It has been tested by Anderson Labs (see above).
• Nirvana Safe Haven, Chemical free and nontoxic environmentally safe beds and mattresses. Also carries air purifiers, dehumidifiers, water purifiers, nontoxic paints, wool carpet, etc.
• Publication called Toxic Carpet III is available. Glenn Beebe is willing that you call for additional information at (513)385-1111.
• See also Toxic Carpet Info Exchange in Organizations.

These listings have been gathered from various sources and are presented here with the intent to provide hard won information to anyone whom it may help. If you find that the names, phone numbers, addresses or such are out of date in any way, or you feel there is a significant change or addition which should be made to these resources, please be so kind as to Contact Us.

Disclaimer: We do not endorse people, products or services. We do not give medical advice. What works for one person does not necessarily work for another. Please check with health-care professionals of your own choice. I am not a doctor and I do not give medical advice. The author is a chemically injured person who is extremely chemically sensitive (reactive) and who has just had a lot of personal experience in trying to survive chemical insults and toxic exposures.