Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic gases that are emitted from a number of solids and liquids such as paints and solvents that cause a number of health problems. High levels of VOCs are emitted from the latex binding that is used to secure new carpets and rugs to their backings. These gases are emitted into the air from new carpets and last for a number of years! Exposure to VOCs for extended periods can lead to health problems such as eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, and nausea; damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Not only are VOCs bad for your health, they are also harmful to the environment; they damage soil and groundwater and contribute to air pollution. Luckily, there are now a number of environmentally safe and healthier options.
Quick Fix
If you wish to lower the VOC emissions of your current rugs and carpet without investing in replacing the old, try a nontoxic, green carpet finish. Some options are the AFM SafeChoice Comprehensive 3-Part Carpet Shampoo & Sealing System, which cleans out and seals in VOCs and works on most synthetic carpets and rugs. For wool rugs try Woolclean™ spot remover. Both products can be found at Green Building Supply. Another product option is SafeChoice Carpet Seal, which is available from American Formulating & Manufacturing. This product acts as a seal to prevent the outgassing of harmful chemicals found in the backing, padding, and glue of synthetic carpets.
Carpet
If you are looking to recarpet your home, you should look for carpets made from all natural materials with little to no chemical treatment. Also look for backing that is made from natural fibers and that is attached with less toxic glue.
PET carpets are made mainly from recycled plastic bottles and contain the highest percentage of recycled material of the options available. They are naturally stain-resistant and don't require chemical treatments. They are also fade-resistant and don't lose their color from sun and cleaning damage as quickly as synthetic carpets. Although PET carpets are not currently recyclable, they can be down-cycled into other products such as insulation and furniture stuffing.
Another great option is carpet made from natural materials such as grasses, cotton, and wool, which require minimal treatment. Wool is a great choice because it is made from a renewable resource; it is also durable and biodegradable.
Padding
If possible, choose a carpet with lightweight backing that doesn't need padding; otherwise, use padding from recycled materials. Felt padding is also a good option, as long as you avoid styrenebutadiene rubber and paddings that use plastics made from petroleum--an unrenewable resource.
Installation
Carpet installation usually uses chemical-based glues that emit harmful gases. Instead try tacking down your carpet. If you opt for glue try water-based, use a low-VOC glue. Also check the label of your carpet to make sure it has been tested by the Carpet and Rug Institute for low emission levels. Another easy way to lower your carpet's gas emissions is to air it about before installation--you can ask your carpet distributor to do this for you.
Replacing Your Carpet
No carpet lasts forever--when it is time to replace yours, be sure to recycle or reuse it. Visit www.carpetrecovery.org to see if there is a carpet recycling center near your home, or call local animal shelters to see if they would like to use your carpet for their animals' cages. Otherwise you can reuse your old carpet by cutting it into rectangular doormats, or by placing it under your car to catch dripping oil.
These carpeting options will help keep your home free of harmful gases and lighten the burden using nonrenewable synthetic materials has on the environment.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html
http://www.metrokc.gov/procure/green/carpet.htm
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