Floor Coverings

Carpeting is specifically known to emit up to 200 different Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) within the first 72 hours of installation. These VOCs come from the carpet pile, from backings and from adhesives.

Studies have not shown a definite health hazard from these fumes associated with carpets but VOCs from other sources are known to have serious health effects.

Approximately 5 billion pounds of used carpet are disposed of in landfills each year!

Most carpets produced in the U.S are tufted and have three main components: a pile (the fiber you see), a primary backing and a secondary backing. This report introduces the terms that are necessary when specifying a carpet.
Because dyeing has such huge environmental impacts it is important to choose a dyeing method that minimizes energy and water use as well as wastewater production and dye releases. Read this Choose Green Report to learn about the preferable method.
Green Seal’s chart of Carpet Manufacturers and Recommendations analyzes fiber type, reports on the amount of recovered fiber, the dyeing process used, recommended adhesives for the brand, traffic, and whether the carpet is recyclable.

To read Green Seal’s environmental rating of 29 name brand carpets and safer adhesives, download their FREE Choose Green Report!

Read more: Home, Green Home Decor, Health & Safety

Adapted from a Green Seal Choose Green Report, by Green Seal. Copyright (c) by Green Seal. Reprinted by permission of Green Seal.
A Green Seal Choose Green Report, by Green Seal

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

Michele W.

2:19AM PDT on Sep 18, 2011

Thank you

send a green star

Jennifer C.

5:22PM PDT on Aug 11, 2011

Thanks for sharing.

KS G.

5:49AM PDT on Apr 11, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Melissah C.

5:53PM PDT on Mar 27, 2011

thanks

Robert O.

12:12PM PDT on Nov 6, 2010

Thanks.

9:12AM PDT on Oct 17, 2010

Teresa W.

7:51AM PDT on Oct 5, 2010

Interesting!

Henry S.

5:31PM PDT on Oct 3, 2010

I built a loom wide enough to weave a 10 foot wide fabric. I used vegetable dyed mohair yarn. No VOCs or chemicals organic only. I designed and built my home of adobe. 12 inch thick walls, brick on sand floors, silt, clay and gypsum interior plaster walls. 20x90 ft. floor area,800 sq,ft, living area, the rest for studio, ceiling 'vigas' from salvaged from forest fire. If you you would like more info ask.

Peter B.

1:24PM PDT on Sep 12, 2010

thankyou for shareing Annie