Scientific studies have demonstrated that new carpet is one of the lowest emitters of VOCs in the indoor environment. All interior products in the home impact the indoor air; and other products, such as paint, wallcoverings, and other floorcoverings, emit VOC levels up to ten times higher, and often linger in the environment much longer than carpet. With common sense ventilation, the minimal VOC emissions and the non-hazardous odor from new carpet dissipate within the first 48 to 72 hours after installation.

The carpet industry takes all allegations regarding the safety of carpet seriously and has worked very closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and academic and independent laboratories to evaluate carpet's role in the indoor environment. To date, in no case has scientific, peer-reviewed evidence been presented that specifically links adverse human health effects to chemical emissions from carpet.

There are misconceptions about the effects that new carpet emissions may have on the indoor environment. A study completed in 1994 by ENVIRON, an independent research company, assessing the risk of any emissions from carpet, states that "no cancer or toxicity health risks were identified that would be considered of public health concern." The study also stated, "There are no human safety concerns with components of, or emissions from, carpet." Scientific researchers have found no scientific link between new carpet and any health hazard. Following his in-depth study, Dr. Alan Hedge, professor of Environmental Analysis at Cornell University, reported that "concentrations of VOCs in carpet emissions are substantially below any known thresholds for toxicity effects - orders of magnitude lower than those known to produce effects, - a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand times lower than any known effects. New carpet emissions should not create health problems for people - any people."

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde has not been used in the manufacturing of new carpet in the United States for over twelve years. Sometimes it can be found in old carpet that has absorbed it from other sources in the environment.

Carpet as a "Trap"

Carpet provides an extra benefit as a "trap" or "filter," holding dust and dirt until it can be removed by routine vacuuming with a well-functioning vacuum cleaner. The filter or holding characteristics of carpet, as opposed to a smooth surface floor covering, benefit residents of the home or office by keeping particles of dust from being continually being blown around and airborne in a room by foot traffic and air circulation. Only airborne particles affect the allergic person.