Minimize pollutants in new carpeting

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BY ROSEMARY SADEZ FRIEDMANN

SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE

Sometimes it seems we are inundated with reports of air pollution. Is there really that much pollution around and is it really affecting our health? Yes and sort of. There is an almost overwhelming amount of pollution around us and it can affect our health, particularly those of us who might have allergies or are affected by sensitivity to one pollutant or another.

Because we spend about 90 percent of our time indoors, I will tell you what can be done to cut back on some indoor pollutants, namely those emitted from carpets.

New carpet can be a contributor to air pollution but ventilation and frequent vacuuming practically will eliminate the problem. Many articles have been released lately concerning the potentially hazardous fumes emitted by new carpets, but these fumes are not as bad as they sound. Most carpets have an emission level that is usually 500 times less hazardous than the emission level of many other common household products.

If you have a real concern, have the new carpet installed when you are not there and do not go back to the house until 24 hours after installation. Be sure the house is well ventilated during those 24 hours. By then, almost every itty bitty spec of pollution from the new carpet, pad and any glue will be gone.

Another common question is whether there is a difference in indoor air quality if the carpet is made with natural fibers or synthetic. The answer is no, there is no difference in the emission levels, but there might be a difference in how your particular allergies react. Some are allergic to wool, others to olefin.

The biggest irritant actually is in the removal of the old carpet and pad. Many noses are irritated more by the dust and dirt that are shaken into the air when the old stuff is removed than by any emissions from the new carpet and pad. You might consider vacuuming the old carpet before it is pulled off to minimize the dust pollution. Open doors and windows as much as possible to provide fresh air ventilation during both the removal and the new installation. Vacuum or damp-mop the floor before the new pad and carpet are installed to eliminate trapping dirt under the new carpet.

Any fiber, be it carpet, drapery or upholstery fabric, will absorb other pollutants that are in the air, then hold them and/or release them just to irritate you. If you are allergic to many things, you might consider alternate floor coverings like tile, marble, wood or vinyl.

For your peace of mind, there is a Web site you can visit belonging to the Carpet and Rug Institute. That Web site is www.carpet-rug.org.

Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, an interior designer in Naples, Fla., is the author of an award-winning book, "Mystery of Color."