Carpet Health and Safety Considerations

(430 Words)
Carpeting is an extremely popular type of flooring used in homes all over the country. People like it for its soft look and feel. There are some safety considerations, however, that people should be aware of when considering this type of flooring. Some of these can be addressed if you get certain types of carpeting, whereas others will remain regardless of the type that you get.
One important consideration of carpeting is allergies. Dust can settle into carpets, and these can then harbor dust mites. Also, if you have pets, the dander might settle into the carpets, aggravating those with related allergies. Fungi and mold may also end up in carpeting, which affect a lot of people who have allergies to them. Many people with allergies find that their allergies get worse when they have carpets. Those who have bad allergies may choose to stay away from carpeting for this reason.
Carpeting may also provide a safe home for small insects. For instance, fleas and ticks can easily get into carpets and hide where you cannot see them. They may lay their eggs and then spread further. Because you cannot see them, you may have difficulty getting them off. You may also find bed bugs and carpet beetles hiding in your carpet.
There have also been issues with some of the chemicals both in carpeting and in the glues used for them. One concern has been volatile organic compounds or VOCs. Many of these chemicals linger for a long time and expose people to their emissions, even if they do not smell. These chemicals may get into the padding so that no matter how much you clean you will never be able to get away from them. Some people look to more natural types of carpeting, which can help, but may not fully address the problem.
You also need to consider how carpeting can keep some of the toxins that are later introduced. For instance, if someone smokes in a room that has a carpet, that smoke may linger for quite a while and expose people to third hand smoke. You also may have other chemicals that can have a detrimental effect on the health settle in carpets, according to Science Daily. These include pesticides, deodorizers and mothballs.
It is very important to keep your home safe for you and your loved ones. Consider the above safety considerations when deciding whether carpet is right for you. If you do choose to get it, make sure to do your research and take the necessary steps to get the safest carpet available.