Mohawk airo carpet reviews
Carpet TreatmentsĬarpets are often treated with stain-resistant, antimicrobial or moth-proofing chemicals, all of which may be harmful when inhaled or ingested. Like carpet fibers and backing, carpet glues and sealants can emit harmful VOCs, may contain toxic petroleum-based solvents, and may be made with the same synthetic rubber used in carpet backing. When burned, PVC also produces highly toxic dioxins, which can cause cancer, and reproductive, developmental and immune disorders. PVC is produced using vinyl chloride, which is known to cause cancer and liver damage in PVC plant workers. 4-PCH has been associated with respiratory symptoms, eye irritation and rashes, and can also react with other chemicals to produce formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen.Ĭarpet backing may also be made from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, which can contain eye and respiratory irritants, and endocrine-disrupting phthalates. A byproduct of the rubber, 4-PCH, is a VOC that causes the distinctive new carpet smell. Long-term exposure to high levels of styrene is associated with nerve damage, and long-term exposure to butadiene is associated with cancer and heart disease. Both materials are made from non-renewable petroleum and emit harmful VOCs into the air.Ĭarpet backing is commonly made with a synthetic rubber derived from styrene and butadiene, both of which are respiratory irritants at low levels of exposure. Most carpet is made from synthetic fibers, usually nylon and polypropylene.