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UNCOVERING THE FACTS ON TOXIC CARPET UNCOVERING FACTS THE CARPET TOXIC Carpets, both new and old, are a hazard to health because they offgas volatile chemical compounds, can contain heavy metal residues and harbour dust mites and harmful allergens. Editor's Note: Several mentions of animal experiments are made in this article. NEXUS does not agree with the practices of animal experimentation and vivisection, but we also don't want to censor the articles we publish. arpet is a big part of people's lives in many countries. It keeps us warm, absorbs noise and can feel soft and look attractive. Over 90% of homes are carpeted in the UK, 65% in Germany and 60% in the USA.' However, there are concerns related to carpeted dwellings and workspaces. Carpet emits toxins which are harmful to health, and old carpet traps pesticide residues in addition to dust containing lead and other heavy metal residues. Carpet also has consequences for the environment. CHEMICALS IN NEW CARPET New carpets release chemicals that are detrimental to health, particularly in the first few days after installation. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) recommends purchasers request low-toxin-emitting carpet, cushioning and adhesives as well as ask that the new carpet be well ventilated before being laid. The US EPA further advises buyers to "consider leaving the premises during and immediately after installation, or schedule the installation when the space is unoccupied".* New synthetic carpets offgas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formalde- hyde, ethylbenzene, toluene, xylene, acetonitrile, styrene, trichloroethylene, azulene, ben- zene, diphenyl ether and dodecane.* Some of these substances are on the US EPA's List of Extremely Hazardous Substances ¢ Formaldehyde is included on the list and "can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea and difficulty in breathing in some humans exposed at ele- vated levels (above 0.1 parts per million)".* It is a carcinogen and can cause dermatitis, aggressive behaviour, bronchial spasm and other medical conditions.® ¢ Ethylbenzene has caused tumours in rats and mice, neurological effects in humans, throat and ear irritation and chest constriction. Other animal studies have reported foetal resorptions, skeletal deformations and an increased incidence of extra ribs.” * Toluene in high levels can cause birth defects in humans,‘ and has made it to the EPA's Community Right to Know List and Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory. Effects include "fatigue, weakness, confusion, euphoria, headache, dilated pupils, der- matitis, central nervous system recording changes, psychophysiological test changes an bone marrow changes".’ * Xylene is on the EPA lists and causes some similar effects including vomiting, abdominal pain, coordination problems, weight loss, excitement, drowsiness ani staggering gait." ¢ Acetone makes it onto the EPA's lists and can react vigorously with oxidising chemi- cals. It is considered "a severe irritant", and "Human systemic effects by inhalation include changes in electroencephalogram, changes in carbohydrate metabolism, nasa effects, respiratory system effects, nausea, vomiting and muscle weakness"." ¢ Styrene, used in carpet backing, is a suspected carcinogen and irritant,'* has cause adverse reproductive effects in animals and can cause "eye and nose irritation, drowsiness, olfactory (smell) changes, and defatting dermatitis".'° ¢ Benzene, a known carcinogen," can produce myeloid leukaemia, Hodgkin's disease and lymphomas. It is a poison by inhalation and a skin and eye irritant. Birth defects an by Jenny Hawke © 2002 NEXUS Magazine PO Box 30 Mapleton, Qld 4560 Telephone: +61 (0)7 5442 9280 Email: nexusmagazine@optusnet.com.au NEXUS ¢ 39 by Jenny Hawke © 2002 OCTOBER — NOVEMBER 2002 www.nexusmagazine.com