A:
Like many other household products and furnishings, new carpet can be a source of chemical emissions. This depends on a few factors- fiber type and length, adhesives and/or installation process. Carpet can also act as a "trap" for chemical & biological pollutants including pesticides, dust mites, and fungi.
The measurement of indoor air quality takes these factors into consideration, and rates carpeting on how much irritation it may cause, from a respiratory standpoint. This measurement is usually a concern when the household has young children or pets, or if someone in the household has asthma or another respiratory disease.
The biggest things you can do to reduce your exposure to most chemicals released:
- Select carpet & cushion with high indoor air quality
- Ask your installer or the retailer about low-emissions, alternative, or "green" installation options they may offer.
- Consider leaving the premises during and immediately after carpet installation or schedule the installation when the space is unoccupied.
- Open doors and windows to increase the amount of fresh air indoors.
- Use window fans and room air conditioners to exhaust fumes to the outdoors.
- Ventilation systems should be operated during installation, and for 24 to 48 hours after the new carpet is installed.
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