Healthy Carpets and Rugs

 
Environmentally preferable cleaning products work effectively with fewer hazards. You can also have a safer and healthy environment improving your indoor air quality with green label carpets and rugs.

Carpeting and padding are often outgassers. They also may collect VOCs, dust and other irritants. However, many different factors affect indoor air quality. Carpet plays only a minor role. In fact, carpet can be an asset, not a detriment to the air. Studies show that carpet is not only very low emitting, but also holds molds, dust, spores and other airborne pollutants until they can be removed by vacuuming and other cleaning methods. By comparison, when these particles settle onto hard or smooth flooring surfaces, they can be more easily disturbed and released back into the air.

Look for the green label from CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute) it meansthe product has been tested and approved for the minimizing the negative impact on the home environment. When installers go by the Carpet and Rug Institute code when installing, the glue that they use meets certain guidelines for toxicity.

When it comes to indoor air quality (IAQ), carpet suffers a bad rap. While many construction products, surface finishes, furnishings, cleaning agents and floor coverings contribute to the quality of indoor air, carpet is one of the lowest emitters of contaminants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), found in a commercial indoor environment. Tests indicate that carpet emissions released upon installation dissipate, with proper ventilation and with proper products used, within the first 48 to 72 hours after installation.

When scientifically tested, the air above carpet contains fewer allergens and dust mites than the air above hard surfaces. And carpet upkeep requires fewer chemicals than other floor coverings, which helps reduce VOC levels.

To maintain integrity, the CRI has developed three IAQ testing programs (covering carpet, carpet cushion and carpet adhesives) that minimize the potential of emissions from new carpet installations. If a carpet sample passes CRI's testing, it is allowed to carry the CRI Indoor Air Quality Carpet Testing Program label (currently, more than 70% of carpet products carry this label). Similar labels appear on cushions and adhesive products that meet CRI's emission criteria.

Products are retested on an ongoing basis to ensure that the required emission levels are not exceeded. The label is further assurance that the carpet or carpet product selected will emit only minimal VOCs into the environment.

Upkeep: A regularly scheduled program that encompasses preventive, daily and restorative maintenance will extend the life span of the carpet and add to good air quality. As a preventive measure, experts strongly recommend the use of walk-off mats in entryways and the regular cleaning of all surfaces that surround the carpet.

Research has found that frequent vacuuming and cleaning needs to be done once or twice a week for allergy relief. Carpets do hold dust and need to be kept clean for the environment.

When carpets are made, no formaldehyde is used and the latex used is synthetic latex. There are no reactions to this synthetic latex like with the natural latex.

For Area rugs: Look for the Green Label Plus certification from the Carpet and Rug Institute,. But remember: Even a lovely old Persian carpet may have a synthetic backing and could have been treated with a bactericide or a fumigant. Assume nothing. Try a Tibetan, untreated cotton or wool rug with the expectation that you'll have to deal with stains.

*For Cleaning-Use products certified green by either Green Seal or Environmental Choice.

Cleaning chemicals, including those of the green variety, should always be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. They should be handled while the worker is wearing proper protective clothing and used only for the cleaning tasks for which they are intended.

Equipment: Green floor maintenance, however, involves more than using evironmentally preferable cleaning chemicals. It also involves using the correct tools.

 The following is recommended:
* Green Label-certified vacuum cleaners: The Carpet and Rug Institute's Green Label certification is given to vacuums that are environmentally preferable. This program verifies that the vacuum cleaner not only is effective at removing soil and improving the carpet's appearance, but that it traps and retains dust so that it isn't released into the air to harm indoor-air quality.

* Low-moisture carpet extractors: Such products use less water, which helps carpets dry faster (in two to six hours) and makes it less likely that mold or mildew will develop.

* Cylindrical-brush floor machines: Cylindrical machines reduce the amount of powerful chemicals required compared to traditional rotary machines.

* Simple maintenance: Dust and vacuum regularly to preserve the finish and avoid too-frequent stripping.

* Walk-off matting systems: Matting systems stop dirt and soil at the door, before they have a chance to be tracked into the home.