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 ‘outgassing’. 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 people 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:
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installing carpet when the building is not occupied
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use water based low VOC, non solvent based adhesive
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leave newly carpeted rooms empty for 24 – 72 hours following installation with good air ventilation to help remove odours
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use exhaust fans to draw indoor air outside
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when selecting carpet, choose products with low chemical emission ratings
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vacuum the carpet thoroughly after installation
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if just being installed and if possible – unroll the carpet a few days before installation to assist in the ‘outgassing’ of fumes.
(Eco Wise 2006; Greendepot 2008; Carpet Institute of Australia 2007; Asthma Foundation (no date specified); OHS Reps @ Work (no date specified); Job Accommodation Network 2007)
Relevant Links:
References:
Asthma Foundation (no date specified),Towards the Low Allergy Home, The Asthma Foundation of Western Australia Inc., viewed 8 August 2008, West Perth, http://www.asthmawa.org.au/files/factsheets/Towards%20the%20Low%20Allergen%20Home.pdf
Carpet Institute of Australia 2007, Carpets for healthy living, Carpet Institute of Australia, Melbourne, viewed 8 August 2008, http://www.carpetinstitute.com.au/good_health/index.htm
Eco Wise 2006, Lock Out Carpet Sealer, Eco-Wise, Texas, viewed 8 August 2008, http://www.ecowise.com/product_info.php?products_id=290
Greendepot 2008, Commercial Overview: Adhesives, Greendepot, Massachusetts, viewed 8 August 2008, http://store.greendepot.com/-strse-Commercial-Overview-cln-Adhesives/Categories.bok
Job Accommodation Network 2007, Accommodation and Compliance Series: Employees with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Environmental Illness, U.S. Department of Labour, West Virginia, viewed 8 August 2008, 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 8 August 2008, http://www.ohsrep.org.au/hazards/chemicals/multiple-chemical-sensitivity/index.cfm