Carpeting and emissions

[dgbldr]

I don't have an industrial hygienist on call so I must ask here:) Dick, can you help?

The question: Is there anything in normal carpeting that outgasses? Any type of carpeting? Any of the foam padding materials? I'm not concerned with glue.

[MarkMc]

Yes, but you need to clarify "normal." Wool is normal in my way of thinking. If that's not what you had in mind then nylon is often a better choice on the synth side. Some coatings are better in not OG-ing themselves and can act as a sealer or retarder to what they are applied to - the latter may be a good or bad thing and the former can wear. Avoid the foams if you can.

[dgbldr]

Point taken. Yes, wool is normal for me also, I've had it in my own house. That's a different issue, falls in the same category as the bear skin rug :) Only concerned with synthetics. Nylon doesn't evaporate, I assume polyolefin also doesn't, but don't know the story on all the coatings and sealers. That's the part I'm interested in.

[MarkMc]

Nylon doesn't evaporate,

?? Nylon can and does outgas, they all do, incl even wool depending on how it gets made in to a colored carpet.


http://www.carpet-rug.org/commercial...plus/index.cfm

[Lavrans]

All the synthetics offgass. Nylon is better, but initially will certainly do so. Almost all of the basic carpets use glue to set the pile to the matt, and all of the glues offgas. Some less than others, but it's really a question of how sensitive the clients are, and how much additional chemical traces are going to be added to the home. All of the foams offgas, with the (very expensive) latex foams offgassing less toxic substances.

And that's all before you get into the issue of what happens after that carpet has been there for a year, acting as a low-lying garbage dump. Which is why so many are also treated with anti-fungal chemicals, as well as (often) fire retardants. Which means you get a dry dump, soaked in chemicals, with a sponge underneath.

Carpeting should not be considered an option for anyone claiming to be sensitive to chemicals, offgassing, etc., etc. It's kinda like claiming to be vegan while eating a steak.