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!