Seven Myths & Misconceptions About Carpet

The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), the industry trade association, is committed to educating people about carpet and to dispel untruths and myths.

"The suggestion that carpet causes indoor air quality problems is a significant issue for the carpet industry to address" said Werner Braun, president of CRI. "Through research, CRI offers information that is valuable to anyone living with carpet."

The following myths have been identified as the most persistent misconception according to Mr Braun. Due to space limitations we do not list the full reference studies assessed in this research. That information can be viewed on the CRI web site.

Myth No. 1: There are health risks associated with carpet.

Truth: An extensive toxicological assessment of the components of carpet concluded that the chemicals in carpet pose no health risks.

Myth No. 2: Mold and mildew can grow in carpet.

Truth: Mold and mildew exist ONLY where there is excess moisture and dirt coupled with poor cleaning and maintenance habits. Mold growth can occur on any surface from window panes to carpet that is not properly maintained and when moisture is extreme. Eliminating sources of excessive moisture such as water leaks and controlling humidity greatly offset the potential for mold to grow.

Myth No. 3: Carpet is a cause of the increase in rates of asthma and allergies.

Truth: Comparison data from Sweden supports that there is no link between carpet usage and the incidence of asthma or allergies. CRI is not aware of any published scientific research demonstrating a link between carpet use and asthma or allergies.

Myth No. 4: Carpet is a sink for allergy causing substances.

Truth: This is true as stated. The critical point however is missed. Carpet holds allergen-causing substances tightly and as a result keeps allergens from becoming airborne minimizing the level of allergens in the breathing zone. This translates to lower exposure potential. The allergens held by carpet's filter-like properties allow more material to be removed from the air. Vacuuming mattresses, carpet and upholstery one or twice a week removed allergens. It is important to use the proper type of vacuum to minimize re-suspending allergens.

Myth No. 5: Carpet is more expensive and harder to maintain than hard floor surfaces.

Truth: Properly maintained carpet only needs vacuuming once or twice weekly and periodic cleaning. The sweeping, mopping, stripping, waxing and buffing that hard surface floors demand are more laborious and costly.

Myth No. 6: Latex in carpet produces allergic reactions.

Truth: The latex that holds the fibers and backing together in broadloom carpet is synthetic. Synthetic latex is not associated with the allergic reactions of natural latex which are caused by the proteins found in natural latex.

Myth No. 7: Formaldehyde is used in the production of new carpet.

Truth: Formaldehyde is not used in the carpet manufacturing process. It is not emitted from new carpet.

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