|
Most people don't think of their carpeting or cabinetry as things that could make them sick, but both may contain toxic chemicals. Toxic chemicals are emitted by a number of building materials, such as adhesives, paints, insulation, particleboard and carpets.
Carpeting is one of the biggest pollutants in the home. New wall-to-wall carpeting, its backing and the glues used to install it may all release gases that can cause eye, nose, throat and skin irritations, headaches, shortness of breath, cough and fatigue. Over time, these toxins lose power, only to be replaced by another potential health hazard - the mold and dust mites that find a home in the carpeting. Molds also release chemicals into the air that can make you feel very tired or sick.
Area rugs are safer than wall-to-wall carpeting because they don't require glues or backing and they're easier to clean. However, you don't have to rip up your brand new carpet to stay safe. When buying wall-to-wall carpeting, make sure the label indicates that it meets the Carpet and Rug Institute's low-emissions criteria. Here are some other tips:
- Consider purchasing a rug made of natural fiber, such as cotton or wool.
- Keeping doors and windows open as much as possible in the first few months after carpeting is installed and ventilating with a fan can reduce potentially dangerous fumes.
- Vacuum carpeting frequently and periodically rent a cleaning machine or use a professional cleaning service to discourage growth of germs.
Another source of home pollution is pressed-wood products. These have become a more popular component of furniture, cabinetry, flooring and paneling because the price of natural wood has soared. Carpeting, pressed-wood products and some types of foamed-in-place insulation emit formaldehyde.
What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas. It is normally present at low levels, usually less than 0.03 parts per million (PPM), in both outdoor and indoor air. Levels at or above 0.1 PPM can cause watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat; nausea; coughing; chest tightness; wheezing; skin rashes; and other irritating effects. Formaldehyde affects people differently; some may be very sensitive to it, while others may have no noticeable reaction at the same level of exposure. Formaldehyde has caused cancer in laboratory animals and may cause cancer in humans. The risk depends upon amount and duration of exposure. Note that other possible sources of formaldehyde in the home are cigarette smoke and unvented, fuel-burning appliances such as gas stoves, wood-burning stoves and kerosene heaters.
How can I measure formaldehyde in my home?
Most people find they can detect even very low levels of formaldehyde by its distinctive smell. Do-it-yourself formaldehyde measuring devices are available. However, trained professionals should really measure formaldehyde to ensure getting good data and an accurate interpretation of the results.
What can I do about it?
If possible, try to avoid products containing formaldehyde altogether. Use products such as lumber, metal or solid wood furniture. If that isn't possible, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you use "exterior-grade" pressed wood products. Before buying, ask what the formaldehyde content in them is.
Enclose unfinished pressed-wood surfaces of furniture, cabinets or shelving with laminate or water-based sealant. You can also reduce formaldehyde levels by ventilating the room adequately, keeping it at a moderate temperature and using an air conditioner and dehumidifier.
|
Related Articles
|
|
External Source
 |
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
|
|
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
Return to the previous page
|
