Myth
No. 1
"There are health risks associated with carpet."
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Truth: |
An extensive
toxicological assessment of components of carpet
concluded that the chemicals in carpet pose no health
risks of public concern. |
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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." |
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Myth No.
2
"Mold and mildew can grow in carpet."
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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. |
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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. |
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Myth No.
3
"Carpet is a cause of the asthma and allergy increase."
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Truth: |
Comparison 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. |
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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. |
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Myth No.
4
"Carpet is a sink for allergy-causing substances."
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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 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. |
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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 indicate 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. |
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Myth No.
5
"Carpet is a source of indoor quality (IAQ) problems."
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Truth: |
As noted
previously, an extensive toxicological assessment of
components of, and emissions from, carpet concluded that
the chemicals in carpet "present no health risks of
public health concern." Further, allergens in 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. |
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Reference: |
EPA/RTI
Total Building Cleaning Effectiveness Study
states, "Organized cleaning contributes to 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. |
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Myth
No. 6
"Carpet is more expensive and harder to maintain
than hard-floor surfaces."
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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. |
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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. |
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Myth No.
7
"Carpet is environmentally non-sustainable."
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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. |
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Reference: |
The
Carpet and Rug Institute’s Sustainability Report,
2001 details the industry’s environmental
efforts. |
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Myth No.
8
"Carpet is a major emitter of volatile organic compounds
(VOCs)."
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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. |
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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. |
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Myth No.
9
"Formaldehyde is used in the production of new carpet."
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Truth: |
Formaldehyde
is not used in the carpet manufacturing process. It is
not emitted from new carpet. |
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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. |
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Myth No.
10
"Latex in carpet produces allergic reactions."
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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. |
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Reference: |
Carpet
is made primarily of the same innocuous materials found
in clothing and other everyday fabrics, including
polyester and nylon. |
