Healthy, Non-Toxic Carpet for Kids – Low VOC Carpet

There are 2 major concerns about carpeting and small children – VOCs and trapped allergens. Both can be harmful to children, asthma sufferers, people with allergies, the elderly and pets. Read on to learn more about non toxic carpet.

WHAT ARE VOCs?

Do you know that new carpet smell?  It turns out that it might not be very good for you or others in your household, especially small children.

The acronym VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. They are chemicals used in the manufacturing of  carpet and rugs, and they can be released after installation. The process is known as off-gassing –the chemicals are evaporating from the carpet—and the gases can create breathing problems in children and others that are susceptible.  They make some people dizzy or nauseous.

Most VOCs are released within 72 hours, but not all of them. Off-gassing at a lower level can go on for years.

If you choose carpeting for your home, keep the home well-ventilated during installation. Consider keeping your little ones off of it for a week if possible. Put down a blanket for infants and toddlers to play on, or put them in a playpen.

CHOOSING LOW-VOC CARPET 

In response to consumer demand, carpeting manufacturers are producing products with lower levels of VOCs. The Carpet and Rug Institute has come out with labels for use on low-VOC carpeting. Look for the CRI Green Label (Low-VOC) or Green Label Plus (Very Low-VOC) on carpeting you’re considering. These carpets will produce better indoor air quality (IAQ) wherever they are installed.

TRAPPED ALLERGENS IN CARPETING 

The Carpet and Rug Institute states that carpeting can improve IAQ over hard floors. The argument is that carpet traps allergens such as dust, dust mites and pet dander so that they don’t circulate in the air. Hard floors like vinyl flooring and solid hardwood flooring can’t do this. The argument might hold up if the hard floors were never swept and mopped or if small children didn’t crawl around on carpet and sometimes bury their faces in it.

If you choose carpeting, start with a greener option that is a Green Label or Green Label Plus product and then keep it clean. Buy a high-quality vacuum with a bristle bar and a HEPA filter. While changing bags is a hassle, studies show that vacuums with bags do a much better job of disposing of allergens than bagless vacuums. Vacuum at least once a week, more often if you have pets or if children play where foot traffic is heaviest.

Have you chosen to be more eco-friendly with your home improvement projects? Share your ideas with us below.

Related Reading: How to Dry Wet Carpet to Avoid Dangerous Mold

About the Author: Jamie Sandford

Jamie Sandford is the Owner and Chief Editor of Home Flooring Pros (find out more). After 12 years’ experience in screen and stage set construction, followed by a further 15 years working in the home renovation/remodeling business, he now writes and curates online home improvement advice.

“Buying and installing home flooring should be a fairly straightforward process, but often it isn’t. After more than 15 years experience in home flooring and remodeling, I started Home Flooring Pros in 2013 to help homeowners navigate the often-over complicated process of choosing, buying and installing a home floor. The aim is to save you time and money by helping you to make better floor buying decisions.”