When carpets are installed, an adhesive is generally used in order to fix it to the floor surface. Some adhesives have high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) and therefore emit strong odours into the air. To improve indoor air quality and reduce the likelihood of reactions to these VOC’s, alternative carpet adhesives are available that are water based and low in VOC’s.
If it is not possible to get water based adhesive or a pre-existing carpet is creating problems with fumes, carpet and carpet underlay sealers are now available that will lock in the fumes and minimise the ‘out gassing’. They are generally only appropriate for use on synthetic products and should be spot tested before full application to ensure suitability.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For individuals with asthma, allergies or those sensitive to chemicals, the installation and use of carpet using solvent based adhesives within the workplace can contribute to symptoms. These symptoms may potentially reduce productivity and work performance. If carpeting is necessary within the workplace, consider taking measures to reduce exposure of employees to chemicals and allergens by:
- installing carpet when the building is not occupied
- use water based low VOC, non solvent based adhesive
- leave newly carpeted rooms empty for 24–72 hours following installation with good air ventilation to help remove odours
- use exhaust fans to draw indoor air outside
- when selecting carpet, choose products with low chemical emission ratings
- vacuum the carpet thoroughly after installation
- if just being installed and if possible, unroll the carpet a few days before installation to assist in the ‘out gassing’ of fumes.
When managing exposure to chemicals in the workplace, the following source may be useful:
References:
Asthma Foundation WA (no date specified),Towards the Low Allergen Home, The Asthma Foundation of Western Australia Inc., viewed 23 February 2011, Perth, http://www.asthmawa.org.au/About-Asthma/Asthma-Factsheets/Towards-the-Low-Allergen-Home/.
Carpet Institute of Australia 2010, Carpets for healthy living, Carpet Institute of Australia, Melbourne, viewed 23 February 2011, http://www.carpetinstitute.com.au/good_health/index.htm.
Job Accommodation Network 2008, Accommodation and Compliance Series: Employees with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Environmental Illness, U.S. Department of Labor, West Virginia, viewed 23 February 2011, http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/MCS.html.
OHS Reps @ Work (no date specified), Multiple Chemical Sensitivity – What is it?, OHS Reps @ Work, Melbourne, viewed 23 February 2011, http://www.ohsrep.org.au/hazards/chemicals/multiple-chemical-sensitivity/index.cfm.