Good indoor air quality (IAQ) depends on good building design, implementation of effective operation and maintenance, and appropriate selection of low-emitting interior products. To assist in choosing carpet and an underlying cushion or adhesive, the Carpet and Rug Institute has developed testing and labeling programs to aid in the selection of carpet, adhesives and cushion materials.

These unique testing programs identify low-emitting products for consumers by requiring representative product samples to meet scientifically established standards. Look for carpet, carpet adhesives and cushion materials displaying the familiar CRI Indoor Air Quality Testing Program logos.

What This Label Means . . . Carpet bearing the CRI IAQ label indicates that: The carpet manufacturer voluntarily participates in this program and is identified by the number in the logo. The manufacturer is committed to developing ways to minimize emissions and any adverse effect on indoor air quality. A representative sample of the product type is tested quarterly by an independent laboratory and meets the established low VOC level emission criteria.

What to do to minimize possible exposure to emissions?
Always choose carpet, cushion, and adhesives that display the CRI Indoor Air Quality Testing label. Before carpet is installed, ensure that the installer will follow the installation guidelines (CRI 105) established by the Carpet and Rug Institute. Follow the installation guidelines -- common sense procedures and the guidelines for keeping your home environmentally friendly -- at the end of this brochure.

How do I know which carpet, cushion, or adhesive has been tested for emissions?
Look for and purchase a carpet, cushion, or floor covering adhesive that displays the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Indoor Air Quality Testing label. These three indoor air quality testing programs identify the products that have been tested and meet stringent indoor air quality requirements for very low emissions. The programs cover carpet, carpet cushion, and floor covering installation adhesives.

Here are some common factors that will affect IAQ:

• People (exhalation, body odors, diseases)
• Activities (work such as cleaning, using correction fluids, carbonless paper, pest control products, and personal activities such as wear fragrances and smoking)
• Technology (photocopiers and laser printers)
• Furnishings (furniture, draperies, floor coverings)
• Finishes (paint, varnish, vinyl wall coverings)
• Building materials (caulking compounds, adhesives, wood laminates)
• Outdoor air quality
• Inadequate or contaminated air handling units
• Inadequate cleaning practices

Is carpet an emitting product?
New carpet is a very low emitter. As with most other indoor products, choosing a low-emitting product, ventilating, and cleaning are the keys to good air quality.

How long do new carpet emissions last?
New carpet's emission level will drop significantly within the first 24 hours of installation, and with fresh air ventilation, the emission level will dissipate to an undetectable level within 48 to 72 hours.

What is the "new carpet" odor that sometimes is present after the installation?
This possible odor usually comes from 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-PC), a by-product of the latex binder used to hold the fibers and backing together. It, like a "new car" odor, will dissipate within a few days and is not harmful.

Should I be concerned about dust mites in carpet?
No. Most mite allergen is found in bedding and upholstered furniture. Exposure to mite allergen usually occurs while sleeping, sitting, or through direct surface contact with the allergen itself. Dust mite allergen is very large and is not released from carpet into the breathing zone, even during periods of heavy activity. Maintaining humidity levels below 65% and regular vacuuming and cleaning will minimize mite population in your home.

Why has my allergist recommended removing carpet and other textiles from my home?
One of the approaches that allergists use in allergy treatment is allergen avoidance in the belief that the removal of all possible places where allergens are held will reduce allergic symptoms. This is a misconception. Although allergen (dust, pollen, mold spores, etc.) may be present in carpet, carpet is not a source of airborne allergen that produces allergic symptoms.

Will removing my carpet reduce my allergic symptoms?
No. Removing carpet will not reduce the number of airborne allergens that produce allergic reactions; in fact, removal of carpet may actually increase the amount of airborne allergen, because other surfaces do not offer the capability of holding allergen. Removing allergen materials from a carpet is as easy as regular vacuuming and routine cleaning.

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