Carpeting is one of the major sources of indoor air pollution. Although newly installed carpeting produces the most complaints from emission of irritating chemicals, older carpets harbor dust, dust mites and microbes. Even though the outgassing of chemicals from some carpeting is known to cause serious health concerns, the building industry continues to rely heavily upon its use. According to the National Association of Homebuilders, wall-to-wall carpeting was installed in 97% of living rooms, 85% of dining rooms, 90% of family rooms, 95% of bedrooms and 91% of hallways in homes built in 1996.

In August 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) submitted a report to Congress on the quality of indoor air found in ten public access buildings. This report stated that more than 900 volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) have been identified in newly constructed buildings and that some levels were 100 times greater than normal levels. This report also stated “that sufficient evidence exists to conclude that indoor air pollution represents a major portion of the public’s exposure to air pollution and may pose serious acute and chronic health risks.” EPA estimated that indoor air pollution is costing tens of billions of dollars per year in medical costs and lost worker productivity.

Building Industry Solutions

Because of health concerns and vocal complaints by building occupants, ventilation was increased to purge the stale indoor air and introduce outside air. However, there are two inherent problems with increasing ventilation rates. First, energy-efficiency is compromised. Secondly, outside air is not always clean, especially in metropolitan areas. The building industry still has not adequately addressed the two-fold problem of providing indoor air quality and energy-efficiency.