Dangers of New Carpet Fumes

Released Chemicals

• Certain new carpets release chemicals into the air of your home or office. These chemicals include toluene, benzene, formaldehyde, ethyl benzene and acetone. These chemicals cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, according to a 1995 study published in the Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine.

4-PC

• 4-PC is a chemical used in the latex backing of carpets. The chemical is strongest in new carpets and is used in 95 percent of U.S. carpets, according to Absolute Air Cleaners and Purifiers. This chemical causes eye, nose and respiratory difficulties.

Fire Retardants

• Most carpets contain a chemical called PBDE, which helps prevent spreading fire. This chemical has been linked to thyroid damage and can cause difficulties to the immune system and brain development in humans.

Dyes and Sprays

• Dyes and sprays in new carpets are also potentially hazardous. Most of the dyes are artificial, and many carpets are sprayed with temporary finishes that can cause respiratory issues.

Victims

• Unfortunately, those that are most susceptible to the dangers of new carpet fumes are those who are closest to the floor and who spend a lot of time on them. Susceptible individuals are young children and pets. Children are more susceptible because of their youth and weak immune system and because they spend more time next to the carpet.