There have been a lot of rumblings lately about VOC’s found in new carpet and just how dangerous or innocent they are.
VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, which are naturally occurring chemical reactions at room temperature.
They are generally associated with “new smells,” such as those emanating from new cars or homes.
VOC’s, in high concentration, have been known to induce nausea, skin infections and migraines, however, there is no evidence pointing to associated long term health risks.
While found in carpets, the dangers that VOC’s can present have been fairly limited in newer carpets, although the threat still exists.
Stricter clean air guidelines, along with modernised manufacturing and baking processes, have helped contribute to this.
Increased awareness of the necessity of professional carpet cleaning on a regular basis, has also eliminated many of the previous threats associated with laying down new carpet.
Prior to these developments, however, VOC’s were a legitimate and severe concern, especially with newborns and young children. VOC’s emit their odours slowly, and the hazardous effects of the chemical reaction can last for a long period of time.
Despite improved manufacturing measures, low levels of VOC gas emissions can still be dangerous to your short term health.
There are numerous ways to minimise the production of VOC gases when new carpet is laid. These steps are quite easy and simple to carry out, however, they make a huge difference should you be concerned about VOC byproducts:
- You should keep the area open for 72 hours. This also aids in settling the carpet into the floor.
- Insist on water-based adhesives from your new carpet provider.
- If you or anyone in your household usually experiences headaches when in contact with strong odours, stay away from the newly laid area as much as possible.
- Ensure that the carpet has been certified with the Australian Carpet Institute’s Green Label Plus
If your house is fitted with older carpet, it is very important that you invest in regular carpet steam cleaning. Carpet has been proven to improve the air quality of your home, however, this desirable quality dissipates with age.
Frequent deep cleaning and vacuuming are essential in ensuring that your carpet is healthy and emits as few VOC’s as possible.
Jena’s Carpet Cleaning can assist you in minimising the threat of VOC’s in your home. Our experienced steam cleaning staff can determine the levels of VOC’s embedded in your carpet, allowing us to target the affected areas and effectively limit the risk posed.
We provide efficient carpet steam cleaning services and our staff is more than happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the safe maintenance of your carpet.