The health risks of rugs and carpets
Many rugs may look soft and cozy, but they are one of the worst options for your home because they can expose children to harmful chemicals, dust, dust mites, bacteria, dead skin, and a host of allergens.
It is especially concerning that many nurseries, playrooms and play areas often include carpets or rugs. Children spend a lot of time crawling, lying, playing and sitting on rugs and carpets. As a result, they tend to absorb even more toxic chemicals.
In this article, we will review:
- 6 dangerous substances to avoid in carpets and rugs and the health risks associated with them
- How to make your carpet safer
- Less Toxic Soil Options for Your Home
- How to Choose the Best Non-Toxic Play Mats and Rugs
6 Hazardous Substances to Avoid in Carpets and Rugs and the Health Risks Associated With Them
While many new rugs and carpets have very obvious chemical smells when you first buy them, that smell "gases out" and becomes less obvious over time. However, this does not mean that once the odor goes away, you are no longer exposed to chemicals.
In fact, chemicals continue to lodge in rugs and carpets through typical wear and abrasion. Many of them then adhere to dust, meaning you and your family are exposed to the chemicals through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact.
What chemicals are we referring to? An EU study identified more than 59 dangerous substances in carpets. Chemicals found include:
#1 phthalates
Phthalates, found in flexible plastics and chemical fragrances, are also commonly used in carpet backing material. Six types of phthalates were found in the carpets. Four (DEHP, DBP and BBP) are classified as toxic to reproduction, highly toxic to aquatic life, bioaccumulative and toxic to human health. The other three (DINP, DIDP, and DNOP) are suspected of being reproductive toxicants, endocrine disruptors, and developmental toxicants.
#2 Nonylphenols (NPs) and NonylphenolEthoxylates (NPEOs)
These are surfactants that have been removed from cleaning products in the EU due to their risk profiles, but are still used as adhesives in carpet backing. These chemicals are “endocrine disruptors and are known to cause feminization of male fish.
#3 Antimicrobials
Antimicrobial chemicals are often used on carpets to protect against dust mites, mold, bacteria and fungi, and are used in the treatment of carpet fibers and backings. Toxic
#4 Flame retardants
These chemicals are widely used in polyurethane foam often used in carpet padding. The problem with flame retardant chemicals is that they do not “stick” to whatever you spray on them and, in fact, migrate easily, exposing you and your family to more of them. Flame retardant chemicals are linked to cancer, fertility problems, obesity, and neurological and developmental problems, such as hyperactivity and reduced IQ.
#5 Stain Repellents
PFAS are used as stain-repellent finishes for many textiles, including carpets. They are considered in the EU to be suspected carcinogens, toxic to reproduction and can cause developmental disorders since these substances persist in the body's tissues. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control has identified carpets and rugs as the largest potential sources of significant and widespread exposures to PFAS, especially for children.
#6 Heavy metals
Rugs are particularly good at trapping dirt and toxins that accumulate in shoes, including heavy metals. Some heavy metals, such as lead or cadmium, are neurotoxic, impairing human fertility and/or causing harm to unborn children.
How to make your carpet or rug safer
Do you have a carpet or rug that is not "green"? Do not despair. There are things you can do to decrease your exposure to chemicals in carpets and rugs.
- Make sure your new carpet is discharged in plenty of time. As we mentioned, carpets and rugs will continue to off-gas chemicals for weeks, months, or even years, but most will off-gas in the first few days and weeks. If possible, place the rug outdoors or in a well-ventilated area for at least a week or until the smell disappears.
- Vacuum frequently (2 to 3 times a week) with a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
- Consider investing in a high-quality air filter that has HEPA and activated carbon filters (with at least 5 kilos of carbon).
- Open your windows frequently: this will allow fresh air to circulate inside your home and allow toxins to escape.
The least toxic soil options for your home
Now that you know how to avoid specific types of carpets and rugs, you may be wondering what flooring alternatives you can turn to that won't expose you to additional toxins.
Generally, the three safest options include solid wood, tile, and natural linoleum. Here are some special tips to keep in mind when purchasing these three options:
- For all three, if possible, opt not to glue down the floor, instead try floors that fit together or can be nailed together. When glue is the only option for installation, ask to see certification showing that the adhesive is “no added formaldehyde (NAF), or “no added urea formaldehyde” using 90 percent phenol-based glues. less formaldehyde or at least CARB 2 compliant.
- Look for 100% FSC certified wood sources. It is estimated that over 50% of all imported timber comes from illegal sources, meaning forests are destroyed and native animals and people are displaced as a result. FSC certification ensures strict environmental, economic and social controls.
- Choose zero-VOC finishes and water-based finishes and sealers. Look for the GreenGuard Gold seal confirming very low VOC emissions.
If you choose natural tile or linoleum, make sure it is made in the US, as those made overseas are more likely to contain harmful chemicals.
How to choose the best non-toxic rugs
What can you do to protect your family when choosing floor coverings? While solid floors, such as wood, are ideal, if you want a rug, follow these tips:
- Look for hand-knotted rugs or a rug that says it is non-toxic. Jute, wool, sisal or 100% cotton are good options.
- Avoid rugs that have backings attached with adhesives containing formaldehyde (these are usually hand-woven and needle-punched rugs, but even natural materials like jute can have backings).
- Avoid moth control chemicals (usually sprayed on wool carpets).
- When purchasing a new rug, look for the CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute) Green Label Plus logo, which indicates a very low-emission rug (in the United States), the German government's Blue Angel eco-label, or the Nordic Swan eco-label. . -tags
- If you bring a rug home and it smells bad... return it
We hope these tips help you :)