Respiratory Concerns of New Carpet
Even if you don't experience any irritation or allergies right away, breathing the fumes off-gassed from the carpet can cause chronic respiratory problems over time. New carpets contain p-Dichlorobenzene, a known carcinogen, and many other chemicals that have been shown to cause birth defects in lab animals. Many carpets are treated with a chemical called napthelene that makes the carpet less appealing to moths, but can also cause toxicity issues in newborn babies. Chemicals that make the carpet fire retardant have also been shown to cause chronic respiratory, thyroid and immune system damage as well as brain development problems in humans. These fumes seep out of the carpet and into the air constantly from the moment the carpet is installed, and inhaling them day in and day out can allow the toxins to build up in the body over time. Installing a low-emitting carpet can alleviate some of the chemical load, but the only way to avoid it entirely is to go without carpet in your home.
