Unhealthy Flooring

Toxic Carpets

The problem with synthetic carpet - the environmentally unfriendly and unhealthy flooring.

• There are three layers to a typical carpet; face fibres (top layer), primary backing (area where the fibres are bonded) and secondary backing (base). Fundamentally most carpet is made from chemical processes of petroleum. Each layer contains toxic materials in the fibre, backing, adhesives, stain additives, binders, anti bacterial coatings and moisture protection etc.

Typical synthetic carpet materials are PVC, nylon and vinyl. These materials cause offgassing during the product lifecycle creating indoor air pollution which is hazardous to your health. Synthetic carpet also develops static charges which causes a build up of particles such as pollen and dust. Again this could affect your health with symptoms of asthma and allergies.

• Carpet is also notoriously difficult to clean as hoovering will only remove a percentage of the dirt. Particles, allergens and dust become trapped in the carpet fibres which increase your risk of developing allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivities and other indoor related medical conditions through the slow release of these airborne pollutants.

To clean your carpet thoroughly it may require more intensive cleaning agents which probably contain more aggressive toxic chemical substances. Some reports about the toxic content of carpets advise that levels of carcinogens and neurotoxins are high, which can lead to serious illnesses such as cancer. These concerns have been recognised in the medical industry, although the debate continues.

• Embodied energy levels are high due to the manufacturing process, distribution and disposal. Disposal is one of the largest problems with conventional carpet, with millions of tonnes being put into landfill sites. The majority of synthetic carpets cannot be recycled and does not degrade creating a large amount of waste in the industry. Carpet recycling depends on the material content and the recycling policy of the manufacturer.

For a healthier living environment avoid carpet!

In the media carpet is now being called ‘the toxic sponge’. Hard flooring is easier to clean as dust, allergens and dirt particles can be removed completely. The environmental impact is lower with hard and natural flooring alternatives. Use natural rugs to soften the overall room and add warmth.

The problem with timber flooring

Unsustainable hardwood forests are a major environmental concern. Hardwood trees which take generations to mature are being depleted quicker than they are being replaced. Natural habitats are being destroyed to make way for large single species forests, upsetting local ecosystems and polluting the surrounding air and water.

The problem with vinyl flooring

A chemical process is needed to make vinyl flooring from petroleum. In addition to being unhealthy and un-environmentally friendly, vinyl flooring creates toxic waste in the production process, the lifespan is limited and after use this type of flooring cannot be recycled and will not degrade.

The problem with eco friendly flooring

As with all greenwashed products, there are flooring manufacturers out there who label their floor coverings as 'natural', 'organic' and 'eco friendly' when this is not the truth. Eco friendly flooring materials may well be from plant fibres but they still can be treated and coated with chemicals which are hazardous to health. Always check with the manufacturer if you are unsure.

If you have found reading about unhealthy flooring informative you will find the following articles interesting: carpet backing and flooring underlay. Web