Myths Surrounding Carpet Are Dispelled by the Carpet and Rug Institute
The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), the industry trade association, is committed to educating people about carpet and to dispel untruths and myths.
“The suggestion that carpet causes indoor air quality problems is a significant issue for the carpet industry to address,” said Werner Braun, president of CRI. “Through research, CRI offers information that is valuable to medical professionals and to anyone living with carpet.”
The following myths have been identified as the top ten most persistent misconceptions, according to Mr. Braun.
Myth No. 1: “There are health risks associated with carpet.”
Truth: An extensive toxicological assessment of components of carpet concluded that the chemicals in carpet pose no health risks of public concern.
Reference: In 1994, Environ Corporation of Arlington, Virginia, prepared a study, Safety Assessment of Components of and Emissions from Carpets. The conclusion was: “For the chemicals identified as being present in, but not emitted from carpet, there is no reason to believe that they present any health risk of public concern. For chemicals identified as being from carpet, no cancer risk of public health concern is predicted for any chemical individually, or when the predicted upper limit on risk is added for all potential carcinogens. Similarly, no non-carcinogenic effects of public health concern would be anticipated.”
Myth No. 2: “Mold and mildew can grow in carpet.”
Truth: Mold and mildew exist ONLY where there is excess moisture and dirt coupled with poor cleaning and maintenance habits. Mold growth can occur on any surface–from windowpanes to carpet–that is not properly maintained and when moisture is extreme. Eliminating sources of excessive moisture, such as water leaks, and controlling humidity greatly offset the potential for mold to grow.
Reference: In a study conducted by HOST/Racine Industries, six Florida schools were checked for indoor air problems triggered by high humidity and reduced ventilation. Dust-lined, moldy ducts and plumbing leaks onto ceiling tiles allowed mold to grow and released millions of spores into the air. The research supported that mold and mildew are not associated with a particular surface, such as carpet.
Myth No. 3: “Carpet is a cause of the asthma and allergy increase.”
Truth: Comparison of data from Sweden supports that there is no link between carpet usage and the incidence of asthma or allergies. CRI is not aware of any published scientific research demonstrating a link between carpet and asthma or allergies.
Reference: A study, based on historical figures for ten years, was reported by scientists at the Swedish Institute of Fibre and Polymer Research. They found that while the use of carpet in Sweden had steadily decreased since 1975, the occurrences of allergic reactions in the general population had increased.
Myth No. 4: “Carpet is a sink for allergy-causing substances.”
Truth: This is true as stated. The critical point, however, is often missed. Carpet holds allergen-causing substances tightly and, as a result, keeps allergens from becoming airborne, minimizing the level of allergens in the breathing zone. This translates to lower exposure potential. The allergens held by the carpet’s filter-like effect may be removed by vacuuming, refreshing the filter-like properties of the carpet to allow more material to be removed from the air. Vacuuming mattresses, carpet, and upholstery once or twice a week removed allergens, including dust mite feces–a known source of allergen. It is important to use the proper type of vacuum to minimize re-suspending allergens.
Reference: In Carpet and Airborne Allergens, A Literature Review, Dr. Alan Luedtke refers to the results of a study aimed at determining the effect of routine vacuuming cleaning that indicates frequent vacuum cleaning over a short time significantly reduces house dust and mite allergen levels in carpets.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies indicate the effectiveness of carpet in reducing airborne particles. This data indicates that soil in carpet is significantly reduced following cleaning. Visit CRI’s web site to learn about the Green Label Vacuum Cleaner IAQ Testing Program that approves vacuum cleaner models that are most effective in soil removal and dust containment, while keeping carpet looking good.
Myth No. 5: “Carpet is a source of indoor quality (IAQ) problems.”
Truth: As noted previously, an extensive toxicological assessment of components of, and emissions from, carpet concluded that the chemicals in the carpet “present no health risks of public health concern.” Further, allergens in the carpet may be removed by vacuuming. Vacuum cleaner machines bearing the CRI IAQ Green Label meet scientifically established standards for soil removal and dust containment and help maintain good carpet appearance.
Reference: EPA/RTI Total Building Cleaning Effectiveness Study states, “Organized cleaning contributes to a reduction of particle VOCs and biological pollutants 50%+.” Contact the CRI to request both the Carpet and Your Indoor Environment and Clearing the Air in Your Home: A Guide to Safely Minimizing Allergens brochures. Also referenced is the previously mentioned 1994 report from the Environ Corporation, Safety Assessment of Components of and Emissions from Carpets.
Myth No. 6: “Carpet is more expensive and harder to maintain than hard-floor surfaces.”
Truth: Properly maintained carpet only needs vacuuming once or twice weekly and periodic extraction cleaning. The sweeping, mopping, stripping, waxing, and buffing that hard surface floors demand are more laborious and costly.
Reference: A Building Office Managers Association (BOMA) study found hard-surface floors require two-and-a-half times more annual cleaning than carpet. Consumers may request CRI’s brochures “Carpet, the Educated Choice for Schools,” “Carpet Maintenance for School Facilities,” and “Use Life Cost Analysis for Commercial Facilities” to learn about the life-cycle cost analysis and the value carpet delivers through warmth, comfort, safety, and acoustics in the classroom and at home.
Myth No. 7: “Carpet is environmentally non-sustainable.”
Truth: CRI member companies, representing over 90 percent of the industry’s manufacturers, have an excellent track record over the last dozen years of decreasing wastes produced and energy consumed, improving the industry’s sustainability.Reference: The Carpet and Rug Institute’s Sustainability Report, 2001 details the industry’s environmental efforts.
Myth No. 8: “Carpet is a major emitter of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).”
Truth: Most new interior furnishings and building materials emit VOCs for a period of time. Emissions from new carpet are among the lowest of any household’s indoor furnishings, and most VOCs dissipate within 24 hours-even faster with good ventilation.
Reference: To further minimize other IAQ concerns, specify low-emitting products, including CRI Green Label carpet, cushion, and adhesive when selecting household products and furnishings.
Myth No. 9: “Formaldehyde is used in the production of new carpet.”
Truth: Formaldehyde is not used in the carpet manufacturing process. It is not emitted from the new carpet.
Reference: An article published in 1989 in the American Textile Chemist and Colorists Journal stated that research conducted by the School of Textile Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, under Dr. Wayne Tincher and other researchers dispelled this widely held myth. In addition, the CRI Indoor Air Quality Testing Programs specifically monitor for formaldehyde emission from new carpet, carpet cushion, and installation adhesives as part of the industry’s assurance to the public of the absence of this chemical in these products.
Myth No. 10: “Latex in carpet produces allergic reactions.”
Truth: The latex that holds the fibers and backing together in broadloom carpet is synthetic. Synthetic latex is not associated with the allergic reactions of natural latex, which are caused by the proteins found in natural latex.
Reference: Carpet is made primarily of the same innocuous materials found in clothing and other everyday fabrics, including polyester and nylon.
Contact the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) at (800) 882 8846 or visit the web sites at www.carpet-rug.org and www.carpet-schools.com for extensive information about carpet and rugs.
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SOURCE: Carpet and Rug Institute
WEB SITE: http://www.carpet-rug.org/
WEB SITE: http://www.carpet-schools.com/
ST: Georgia