This document discusses VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that are emitted from carpets. It notes that carpets contribute to indoor air pollution through VOCs released from the carpet pile, backing, and backing adhesive. Over 250 gaseous compounds are known to be emitted from new carpets. Studies have found health complaints like respiratory issues associated with carpet VOCs. Methods to control indoor VOCs include source control, ventilation control, and removal control.

1. ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCS) IN
OUR CARPET
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2. VOCs and
CARPETS
Carpets can be found in many houses around the world.
Scientific studies have demonstrated that carpets
contribute to indoor air pollution by volatile organic
compounds (VOCs). Some of these compounds come
from the carpet pile, but most come from the backing
and backing adhesive. Carpets tend to have large surface
areas and, hence, the potential to significantly impact
indoor air quality. However, they can also serve as
adsorptive sinks with the potential for reductions in peak
VOC concentrations and subsequent re-emission of VOCs
over prolonged periods.
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3. Concern about the potential health impacts of carpets
prompted the study of the concentrations and emissions of
individual volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by
several types of new carpets. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) has compiled data on health complaints
related to carpets. Most people reported upper respiratory
problems in combination with other symptoms such as eye
irritation, headache, rashes, and fatigue.

4. GASEOUS COMPOUNDS KNOWN
TO BE EMITTED BY NEW CARPETS
There are over 250 gaseous compounds known to be
emitted by new carpets, many of them VOCs. In the
United States, there is an interest among manufacturers
of carpets in the adoption of voluntary standards where
specific chemicals should not rise above specified levels.
For instance, to identify carpet products that are truly
low-VOC emitters, the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has
established a labeling program. The carpet manufacturer
is allowed to attach the indoor air quality label to that
specific product type if the test result does not exceed
the emission criteria.
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5. All the methods of VOCs analysis consist of taking
a sample from the indoor air and processing it to
remove, detect, and identify the VOCs through
laboratory analysis. There are three methods of
controlling indoor airborne contaminants: source
control, ventilation control, and removal control.
Source control should always be the first strategy
evaluated, following by ventilation control, and
ending with removal control.
VOCs DETECTION AND
CONTROL

6. Airborne Contaminants
The sources of airborne contaminants cannot always be readily
identified, and source removal is not always practical. Diluting
the indoor air is another type of solution to control indoor VOCs
problems, but increasing the flow of outdoor air can increase
energy consumption, which may not be an economically
feasible choice.

7. In general, steam cleaning in Charlotte, NC, does not
make a significant contribution to indoor air pollution.
On the contrary, an organized cleaning program based
upon environmental principles and performed by
professional cleaners can significantly improve indoor
air quality through the reduction of total suspended
particulate matter, total volatile organic compounds,
and fungi and bacteria.

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