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| Carpeting |
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| CHEMICALS CONTAINED: |
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Carpets are one of the most prominent sources of potentially toxic chemicals in the home. Most carpets are made from synthetic fibers, held together with synthetic resins, and treated with pesticides, chemicals for stain and mildew resistance, and fire retardants.
Studies have shown that up to 200 volatile organic chemicals can be released by carpets. The toxins that may be emitted from carpets include formaldehyde, pesticides, toluene, benzene, styrene, acetaldehyde, chloroform, xylene, phenol, benzaldehyde, hexene, and chlorobenzenes. Adhesives used in and with carpets may contain polyurethane, that can release isocyanates and diisocyanates (collectively, NCO). |
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| HEALTH CONCERNS: |
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Studies have demonstrated adverse health effects, including sensory and respiratory irritation, pulmonary disruption, and neurophysiological problems, on laboratory animals that have been exposed to emissions from carpets.
Studies have also identified VOC’s emitted by some carpets, and are beginning to make links between carpet emissions and human health effects.
The synthetic fibers in carpets can cause skin irritation and respiratory irritation if inhaled.
One of the main pathways for contact with toxins in the home is through house dust—as the carpet physically wears, synthetic particles can end up accumulating in dust, which can then be inhaled, picked up on clothes, and even make its way onto food to be ingested.
Toluene, xylene, and benzene are highly toxic chemicals. Benzene is a known human carcinogen. (See also formaldehyde, PBDEs, NCO). |
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| TIPS & ALTERNATIVES: |
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Purchase natural fiber carpets made from materials such as jute, sisal, linen, cotton, wool, hemp, and other fibers.
If you choose a synthetic carpet, check the label to see if it’s a low-emissions carpet, and ask the retailer and manufacturer for information about what the carpet has been treated with and what chemicals it will emit. Air out the carpet before installing it.
Carpet may be installed without adhesives by tacking or stapling. There are also some water-based, less toxic adhesives available if you choose to use an adhesive. |
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| Finishes / Sealers (for Floors & Furniture) |
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| CHEMICALS CONTAINED: |
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Conventional finishes and sealers contain polyurethane and other potentially toxic compounds that can give off volatile organic chemicals (VOCs); organic chemicals that are easily released to the air at room temperature. VOCs and other chemicals in sealers and finishes are released when the products are applied and as they cure (which can take days, weeks, or months). Smaller amounts continue to be released over time.
Some chemicals that may be found in these products include acetone, methanol, pentachlorophenol, phthalates, heavy metals, and formaldehyde, to name just a few. Polyurethane also contains and releases isocyanates and diisocyanates, including but not limited to toluene diisocyanate (TDI). These are collectively referred to as NCO. |
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| HEALTH CONCERNS: |
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VOCs can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, respiratory tract, lungs, as well as more serious effects. The chemicals found in finishes and sealers can cause headaches and more serious neurological effects, and organ and tissue damage.
Isocyanates and diisocyanates (NCO) can cause mild to severe respiratory problems, including disruption of lung function, aggravation/triggering of asthma, dermatitis, and chemical sensitivation. These chemicals have been established as the cause of occupational health problems and diseases for years, but exposure from consumer products has been considered minimal to nonexistent.
More recent research questions this assumption and has indicated that people may be exposed to levels of NCO from the wide variety of consumer products that polyurethane is found in (hard and soft foams, plastics, finishes and sealers, adhesives) that can cause health effects—including asthma, elevated immune response, other respiratory problems, and dermatitis.
TDI is specifically classified as a Group B possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). |
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| TIPS & ALTERNATIVES: |
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Look for sealers and finishes made from plant-based materials, such as wood oils and waxes.
Avoid products containing polyurethane.
Some companies are coming out with synthetic finishes that are low in VOCs and other toxics. These products are effective AND less toxic.
No matter what type of finish you choose, make sure that your work area is well-ventilated (not just open windows—use fans and respirators). |
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| Paints |
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| CHEMICALS CONTAINED: |
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Conventional paints have four main components: resins to bind the paint, pigments to give color, solvents to make the ingredients mix and stay together, and additives to enhance performance. Stains don’t contain as much pigment as paints, but do contain solvents, resins, and additives.
One study by Johns Hopkins University estimated that more than 300 potentially toxic chemicals can be found in conventional paints, including 150 possible carcinogens.
Paints and stains may contain formaldehyde as a preservative, stain and mildew repellents, fungicides, pesticides, heavy metals, and other chemicals, along with VOCs, largely from the solvents used in the paint. Oil-based paints contain the most VOCs, but latex or water-based paints can contain large amounts as well. Latex paints made before 1991 may contain a mercury-based preservative, and should be avoided. |
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| HEALTH CONCERNS: |
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VOCs can cause irritaion to the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract, as well as more serious effects on the kidneys, liver, neurological and cardiovascular systems.
Formaldehyde causes respiratory and eye, nose and throat irritation, and is a suspected human carcinogen.
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin. |
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| TIPS & ALTERNATIVES: |
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Fortunately much progress has been made in the past decade or so in production and availability of less toxic paints. Options include low-VOC paints, no-VOC paints, plant-based paints, milk paints, and lime paints. Several mainstream brands now make low-VOC alternatives.
*** Exterior Paints/Stains
Exterior paints need to be more durable than interior paints, and so can potentially contain more toxic chemicals. The U.S. Forest Products Lab has found that acrylic resins offer the best protection for outdoor wood. Acrylics are one of the less toxic forms of plastic. Other less toxic exterior paints and stains are also available, along with plant-based alternatives. |
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