Carpet Network Blog - "What's Under Foot" » VOC http://blog.carpetnetwork.com Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:51:57 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 en hourly 1 Allergy Friendly – Carpet http://blog.carpetnetwork.com/2009/05/05/allergy-friendly-carpet/ http://blog.carpetnetwork.com/2009/05/05/allergy-friendly-carpet/#comments Tue, 05 May 2009 16:51:21 +0000 Christine Rankin http://blog.aboutgreenfloors.com/?p=29 Studies have shown that carpet is better at trapping allergens than hard surface, such as tile or hardwood, because carpet fibers catch particles and allergens that fall to the floor. When allergens are trapped in the carpet, they cannot circulate in the air to breathe. Proper cleaning is performed with a vacuum that effectively sucks up dirt and dust from the carpet, locks it in the machine and keeps it out of the air.Sometimes, new carpet may also have a “new carpet smell.”  Scientific studies show that new carpet is one of the lowest emitters of VOCs into the indoor environment. In fact, carpet emits less VOCs than other products such as paint. Further, these emissions clear very quickly. The low-level VOC emissions and the harmless odor from new carpet dissipate within the first 48 to 72 hours after installation – even sooner with the ventilation of fans, open windows or doors.

The Carpet and Rug Institute offers Green Label and Green Label Plus testing and certification to indicate carpet, carpet backings, cushions and adhesives that emit low VOCs. In fact, the Green Label carpet program has such a positive impact on the indoor environment that the American Lung Association approves its use in its Healthy Homes programs. Additionally, the Green Label Plus program’s tough standards exceed the green building requirements dictated by California schools.

So if you are concerned about asthma, allergies or VOCs, be sure to ask about Green Label and Green Label Plus carpet, cushion and adhesive options.

]]> http://blog.carpetnetwork.com/2009/05/05/allergy-friendly-carpet/feed/ 1 Factors to consider for eco consciousness http://blog.carpetnetwork.com/2009/04/22/factors-to-consider-for-eco-consciousness/ http://blog.carpetnetwork.com/2009/04/22/factors-to-consider-for-eco-consciousness/#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:09:13 +0000 Christine Rankin http://blog.aboutgreenfloors.com/?p=18 These factors should be part of your decision making process when considering which floor coverings that best fit with your eco consciousness.

Transportation

  • Be cautious of products that have to be transported long distances.  Energy used in the transportation of the product may cancel out any perceived benefits.
  • Choose products made or grown within 500 miles of your location.
  • Shop locally when possible from vendors that supply locally.

Installation

  • Use adhesives with low VOC’s.
  • Choose watebased finishes over solvent-based ones.

Use and Maintenance

  • Once installed, some floors continue to give off gas compounds.  Ventilation of the room will help dispell any off-gassing from products.
  • Avoid less durable floors which have to be replaced more frequently.  Often the labor cost to install a long lasting floor is the same as for a less durable one.
  • Avoid high maintenance floors that need harsh chemicals too keep them clean or polished.  The life cycle costs may outweight the original cost of the floorcovering over its lifetime.
  • Consider floors that don’t have to be refinished.

End of Life

  • What will happen to the floor when it has reached the end of its lifecycle?
  • Can the floor be recycled or reused?
  • Can the floor be donated to charity?
  • In general, synthetic products don’t decay, but they can be recycled.
  • Natural products will decompose.
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