Chemical Reactions To New Carpet

Additionally work measuring voc emissions from carpet to characterize new materials and manufacturing processes as they are introduced into the market will continue to be important.

Chemical reactions to new carpet.

For example 4 phenylcyclohexene is a voc found in latex emissions and may be off gassed. While the new carpet smell might be preferable to the musty smell associated with old and dirty carpets this smell is produced by 4 phenyl cyclohexane 4 pc. That new carpet smell comes from 4 pc associated with eye nose and upper respiratory problems. But many people experience an allergic reaction after a new carpet installation.

Within a few days to a few weeks these fumes dissipate and the carpet no longer smells. Often people assume the fibers of the carpet are what cause the allergic reaction but the fiber whether synthetic or natural is rarely the issue. Other compounds that affect your health are adhesives flame retardants and stain protectors. Similarly with new furniture a lot of chemicals go into the protection of the wood fabric and components of the pieces.

In addition to the actual materials used to make carpet vocs may cause allergic reactions in some people. We also need to better understand the chemical reactions occurring on the carpet including aqueous reactions in water films on porous indoor surfaces. New carpet shouldn t contain mold mildew or large amounts of dust or hair which can induce an allergic reaction. One fiber manufacturer has estimated the number of household products which can cause stains or spots on carpet products to be in excess of 50.

A reaction to an older carpet usually develops because of things such as mold mites or dust trapped in its fibers not because of the carpet itself. The vocs responsible for new carpet smell are 4 phenylcyclohexene 4 pch and to a lesser extent styrene. As a new carpet gradually releases or off gasses chemical residue the chemicals enter the air where we can smell them. 4 pc is used in the latex backing of 95 of us carpets.

Allowing the new pieces to air out before you pet is allowed to stretch out on or under them will dramatically lower the risk of a chemical reaction.