Carpets in Schools?

Professionals in all facets of indoor air quality research agree that carpets should not be in schools. The concern isn’t only that new carpets emit fumes from a variety of chemicals.

Carpets, particularly older ones, can also harbor high levels of microbiological contamination. Ken Martinez, microbiological specialist with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, believes that while a decision about carpets should be made on a case-by-case basis, his “general” opinion” is that schools should not have carpets. A further concern about placing carpets in schools is that they can also become reservoirs for lead and pesticides; the contaminants are tracked onto the fiber from shoes and boots.

If a school chooses Terazzo tile or sealed vinyl composition tile over carpeting, it will save millions of dollars in installation, maintenance and replacement. Mary Oetzel, president of Environmental Education and Health Services, Inc., studied the cost of flooring from five major city school systems in five states, representing 458 schools. The average replacement cost over 40 years for carpet was around $400,000; the cost for vinyl composition tile (VCT) or Terazzo was around $50,000. The savings by using carpet alternatives averaged $350,000.
Make sure that carpet, if used, is an inert product—not a low emission carpet, but a low potency, low toxicity carpet. Low emission carpets only mean that the company has set lower limits of emissions instead of eliminating the chemicals.
Don’t purchase carpets that contain the chemical 4-PC, a little-understood chemical that was isolated from carpet after works at an EPA office building became ill following a new carpet installation.
If using carpet, makes sure that it is placed where there is no moisture, and provide adequate ventilation.
Prevent conditions that encourage microbial growth, such as around food sources, humidity, and wet boots.
Cure new carpet by outgassing all chemicals and glues before the children are exposed in the school. The best time for installing carpets in schools is in June. Avoid glues whenever possible.

Read more: Family, Healthy Schools

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Skill G.

5:22PM PST on Mar 7, 2012

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Fantina F.

12:54PM PST on Dec 29, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Robert O.

12:43PM PDT on Nov 6, 2010

Thanks for the article. That was very eye-opening. By the way Teresa, here in the USA we believe in varying the way children learn. For the most part they sit at desks, or depending on what's being taught they may sit in groups at work tables, or outdoors or they sometimes sit on the floor during story time or if a special guest visitor is in the classroom. etc. I thought I'd try to enlighten you a bit since you seem to be in need of that. Have a nice day!

Teresa W.

7:50AM PDT on Oct 5, 2010

I'm surprised, because in Poland, children sit at desks at school. Do they sit on the floor in the U.S.?

NO EMAILS P.

2:52AM PDT on Oct 5, 2010

thankyou for post

7:58PM PDT on Sep 12, 2010

A goo idea for discussing! I am completely sure that carpets are not the best coverture for children to have a seat and all...Even being cleaned with attention & constantly, it keeps much undesirable dust & small "beings" in it! Children deserve a natural place for them! Grass, soil, wood...This is a very top questioning! Thank you a lot!

John D.

2:25PM PDT on Sep 12, 2010

I know my schools carpets were cleaned twice a year at most. This creates perfect conditions for microbe growth and illness to spead. Image also kids dropping food onto the carpeted floors and eating it anyways. GROSS!Carpet Cleaning Jacksonville

Philippa P.

2:32PM PDT on Sep 8, 2010

In my mind, carpets should be banned from public places. There are too many people with allergies to them, etc.

Lois K.

7:08PM PDT on Jul 22, 2010

Carpeting is an AWFUL choice of floor covering, and not just because of the toxins. It is difficult to clean, traps odors, and if it gets wet the moisture can soak right through to the floor underneath. It traps dirt, lint, pet hair, pollen, dust mites, and other stuff that can aggravate allergies or respiratory problems. If you have pets, you can be sure they will puke, pee, or crap on it--and frankly, I would much rather clean cat puke from a wood or linoleum floor than a carpeted one! Why any school would want carpeted floors, I can't even guess. It must be nearly impossible to get them truly clean, with hundreds of kids tracking mud and dirt, getting sick, and spilling food on them.