Question from lizpurtell
I need new carpeting in my home and am not crazy about the wool carpets I’ve looked at. Any suggestions on carpet choices that don’t offgass? Maybe the best choice in conventional carpeting? Also, whats the best padding to go with?Thanks.
Debra’s Answer
The best choices in conventional carpeting and padding can be found on the website of the Carpet and Rug Institute.
Since 1992, CRI has had a Green Label program to test carpet, cushions and adhesives to help specifiers identify products with very low emissions of VOCs. Their newer Green Label Plus program for carpet and adhesives sets an even higher standard for indoor air quality to ensures that customers are purchasing from among the very lowest emitting products on the market.
Though these are “low-emitting” carpets they are not “no-emitting.” If you must have carpet, these are better choices, but I would be remiss if I did not say that my highest recommendation is no carpet. Please consider a different type of flooring.
Read more about the dangers of carpet and safer alternatives in my book Home Safe Home, starting on page 377.
