Wool and other organic fibres like sisal and jute are excellent options. Undyed Wool: Wool without pesticides is the purest option, though it does have a strong natural odour from wool oils.
Wool carpeting may be more expensive than synthetic, but it is a natural, renewable fiber, is biodegradable and is long-lasting if well maintained.
When shopping for an eco-friendly rug, look for natural and sustainable fibers like wool, jute, sisal, and organic cotton.
Carpets can be a breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria. The older the carpet gets, the more it catches and retains nasty substances that can trigger allergies and asthma. If you find yourself suffering from allergy symptoms more regularly, your carpet could be to blame.
Cosider Carpets with Natural Fiber or Low-VOC Materials
Carpets made from natural fibers like wool or sisal generally have lower VOC emissions. Additionally, we recommend that you look for synthetic carpets made with low-VOC materials and adhesives.
Avoid Nylon Rugs
Nylon rugs are often full of chemicals and toxic ingredients like other synthetic rugs are. They are known for releasing toxic gasses, such as VOCs.
Healthier flooring options include solid wood, natural linoleum, cork, bamboo, tile and stone. A key feature of all of these is that they are easily cleaned of dust and dirt.
A vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter is particularly effective at trapping small particles that could be carrying VOCs. Vacuuming removes dust and debris from the carpet's surface, minimizing the buildup of pollutants in the air. If possible, avoid reoccupying a room immediately after carpet installation.
Several earlier studies have shown the presence of more dust and allergens in carpets compared with non-carpeted floors. At the same time, adverse effects of carpeted floors on perceived indoor air quality as well as worsening of symptoms in individuals with asthma and allergies were reported.
Natural fibers, like wool, are excellent because they naturally resist dust mites and mold. Synthetic carpets, especially ones made of nylon or polyester, are also good choices since they repel allergens better than traditional materials. They're also easier to clean, which means less dust buildup over time.
Here are a few things to be aware of when it comes to the main toxic offenders in most rugs: Materials like polypropylene (also known as olefin or polyolefin), nylon, and polyester. These three are synthetic materials that are created through chemical processes.
Natural carpets such as sisal, seagrass, jute, and coir present a breath of fresh air for those concerned about indoor air quality. These materials are inherently VOC-free, owing to their natural composition and the minimal processing they undergo.
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) – associated with breast cancer, among other deadly diseases. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that releases dioxins and furans when carpet discards are incinerated. These have been linked to numerous cancers and other diseases.
Polypropylene Carpet
Polypropylene carpets are extremely popular in commercial settings and are extremely versatile in their use. They resist wear extremely well in high traffic areas, don't hold onto moisture, thus preventing mold and mildew and are extremely easy to clean and keep them looking their best.
As a Green Label Plus certified product, Mohawk carpets are among the lowest VOC-emitting products on the market.
This is of particular concern, as carpets have been estimated to double the number of microplastics fibres in the home (Soltani et al. 2021). It would be unrealistic to think we could just remove all carpets to solve the problem.
That being said, older carpeting will have more dirt, air pollutants, and other allergens, than newer carpet, especially if it isn't consistently cleaned. Here are a few of the indoor air quality issues you could encounter with a dirty carpet: Dust Mites.
German research has shown that carpets are by no means an ideal breeding ground for house dust mites. Temperature and relative humidity are very important factors if house dust mites are to thrive. The three-dimensional pile structure of carpets traps fine allergen particles until the carpet is next vacuumed.
Most manufacturers say carpet should last for 10 years with proper care.
Carpets can emit VOCs for five years or possibly more, as carpet has been reported to release toxics like PFAS over time with “routine wear and tear.” Synthetic carpets are made from nylon fibers with a polypropylene backing, releasing over 40 chemicals including styrene and 4-phenylcyclohexane (4-PC), both of which ...
While vacuuming can help remove dust and other particles that may contain VOCs, it doesn't directly remove them. However, using a HEPA filter vacuum can capture smaller particles carrying VOCs.
Toxic Emissions
In the last several years, there have been hundreds, perhaps thousands, of instances in which people became ill after new carpeting was installed in their homes, work- places, or schools. Commonly reported symptoms in- clude eye, nose, and throat irritation, rashes, and fatigue.
Fibers: I have found that polyester carpets seem to be significantly lower in perceptible VOCs than nylon carpets – both Triexta (PTT -Polytrimethylene terephthalate) and the more common PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) polyester. This is based on the perception of chemically sensitive folks.
Why Altro resin floors are so hygienic. Altro epoxy and polyurethane resin floors provide an impermeable, seamless surface. Like PVC, resin is hardwearing and resists damage, meaning it will stay easy to clean for its lifetime.
Polyvinyl chloride is a known carcinogen and contains health and environmental toxins such as dioxin and phthalates. While dioxin is generally only released when exposed to heat, such as during the manufacturing process, it poses a lesser threat to you and your family's health.