Is Carpet Padding Safe

Although there has been progress to minimize the toxicity of carpet and carpet padding the vast majority of carpets still off gas pollutants that are not good for your health.

Is carpet padding safe.

Some carpets may require special handling due to their contents or treatments. The padding and adhesive that is installed can often emit volatile organic compounds voc which can cause respiratory irritations headaches rashes and more. Carpet is a very simple product. When installed in your home the carpet will off gas most considerably during the first 24 to 48 hours after installation.

Our chemically sensitive customers say these are the only products they can tolerate. Carpeting padding and the adhesive glue used to lay carpets can release irritating potentially harmful chemicals. It makes the carpeting feel richer and more luxurious but is also practical increasing insulation and comfort underfoot and reducing noise. It even makes vacuum cleaning more efficient.

Most of these products are at least as toxic as conventional rugs and carpets themselves but there is a safe alternative. In fact it might even be worse for your home. In spite of this we still recommend that you test each product for your own sensitivities first before purchasing. Long term exposure at lower levels can be just as dangerous as short term exposure at higher levels.

What kind of carpet is best. When you use adhesives and glues to install carpet and padding get training and read the safety data sheet sds for information on the handling mixing and personal protective equipment ppe required for safe use. The padding under carpeting can make a surprising difference in its feel and durability. Same applies to the pad.

Rug and carpet sales people always recommend that you use rug pads and or grippers to prevent slipping increase cushioning prolong the life of the floor covering and protect the floor underneath. Unique carpets also has new line called cascade naturals which is safe as well. I don t know why some people believe that carpet manufacturers use totally safe materials and then blast it with a bunch of dangerous chemicals. The carpet and rug institute cri an industry group has made reductions in 4 pc for example which is one of the most odorous vocs.

But with padding thicker pad isn t always the best carpet padding. Most flooring materials off gas during the manufacturing process anyway but don t let that fool you.