An Essential Guide to Low VOC Carpet and Flooring for a Healthier Home

Why VOCs Are Hazardous

The volatile organic compounds that are emitted from paints, coatings, wood and vinyl finishes, cleaning products, air fresheners, and even deodorants enter the air that you breathe inside your home.

The most worrying VOCs are benzene (which the EPA classifies as a known human carcinogen), formaldehyde, and a host of other chemical compounds that can lead to nose and pharynx irritations at high concentrations. VOCs have been associated with leukemia and respiratory disorders, including childhood asthma. Indoor VOC levels have frequently been found to be as much as five times higher than those outdoors.

VOCs in corporate office blocks have led to what is known as "sick building syndrome," made worse when the whole building shares the same HVAC (air conditioning) system. It is not the building that is sick so much as the people who inhabit it over sustained periods.

Short-term exposure to VOCs can cause asthma, upper respiratory problems, headaches, eye and nose irritations, and even lead to infections. Long-term exposure to VOCs can lead to much more serious issues, such as including liver damage, kidney damage, malfunctions within the central nervous system, and even cancer.



There seems to be a strong correlation between the severity of symptoms and the length of time one is exposed to toxic compounds in the air, as well as the level of concentration of those toxic compounds.

Where Are All These VOCs?

High levels of VOCs are present in:

• Newly applied interior paints and coatings
• Interior adhesives and sealants
• Flooring, particularly interior flooring
• Insulation
• Furniture and furnishings (including carpets)

Because only some counties in Arizona have adopted low VOC regulations, our local industry is currently best described as mixed on this issue.

At the Federal level, however, new products in the furniture and furnishings category should comply with sections 7.6.1 or 7.6.2 of the ANSI/BIFMA e3-2011 Furniture Sustainability Standard, while NSF/ANSI 140 is a sustainability assessment for carpet. Then there is The Carpet and Rug Institute seal of approval, which covers standards governing the type of carpet and method of installation.

Carpet complying with sustainability standards is likely made with low VOC materials, so always look for the seal of certification before purchasing a carpet. If it is certified, it will have the seal!

Most traditional flooring and carpet products now have an eco-friendly low VOC alternative, and carpets are no exception.

Priority Areas for Low VOC Carpet

If you have a budget for your carpeting or recarpeting project, we guess you're wondering which rooms should take priority. Without a doubt, we recommend low VOC carpeting for children's rooms and bedrooms in general.



In other words, focus on the rooms where you spend the most hours, and rooms of those who are still working on a strong immune system. If there is someone in your family that suffers inexplicable allergies, start with low VOC carpet in their room.

What Is Involved With Low VOC Carpet?

The chief differences between low VOC carpet and more environmentally toxic carpet lie in the materials used and the chemicals used in the dyes and treatment of the carpeting itself. Adhesives used to join carpeting and for wall-to-wall carpets also differ.

The best materials for the carpet itself, whether a rug or wall-to-wall carpet are:

• Sisal
• Jute
• Wool
• Cotton

All these are natural fibers, and, unlike synthetic fibers, do not emit volatile organic compounds. For a full range of what is possible in terms of design and color, check out the review of low VOC carpet and the most advanced brands in this field.

One synthetic fiber that does get a good rap is BCF, or bulk continuous filament, nylon. It is waterproof, easy to clean, and does not go fuzzy or lose fibers over time.

Carpet and rug padding also needs to be non-toxic. Avoid styrene-butadiene rubber whose toxicity levels are equal to those of formaldehyde. Choose felt, cord, or wool instead.

Many wool carpets come with a backing or jute or sisal and hemp, making them soft underfoot and hardwearing at the same time.



Adhesives can contain high VOC solvents. Be sure your carpet installers use one of the adhesives now available on the market that are chemical-free, non-solvent, and have a low level of VOC emission.

Low VOC Environment

Low VOC is all about clean air quality. If you have an HVAC system installed at home, be sure that this is regularly serviced and kept clean. It won't do you any good to install low VOC carpet through your home, only to have toxic pollutants being dispersed by your air conditioning system!



Once your low VOC carpet is installed, choose a bio-friendly cleaning product recommended by the carpet manufacturer to keep your carpet clean. Many will recommend nothing more than a good, regular vacuum-cleaning and a mild detergent for any spills that might occur.

DIY or Expert Workmanship?

As you can see, choosing a carpet and installing it so that you do not fill your home with volatile organic compounds is quite a complicated matter. We have been in the low VOC carpet and flooring installation business for a long time.

We pride ourselves on keeping up-to-date and complying with the applicable standards. We also pride ourselves on keeping the customer satisfied, and in this case, satisfied and healthy. Why don't you get in touch with us, the low VOC carpet experts at Eagle Flooring West, and see how easy getting new eco-friendly carpets in your home can be?

You get a free estimate, after all.