Are carpet fumes safe?

SkyGheNe

So new rugs are being installed in my home and after much searching, I haven't found a conclusive answer about whether or not the fumes from these rugs are safe. A distinct smell comes from them after being installed and I imagine it's either the glue or something else in the rug.

Anyone have experience with this?

Esh

http://www.ehow.com/decision_7187145_do-carpet-smell-making-sick.html

http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/chemicalsenscarpets.htm

http://capitolcarpetandtile.com/blog/10/new-carpet-smell-carpet-tips/

None of these seem to suggest it's toxic, just annoying.

SkyGheNe

Yeah, but there seems to be a lot of conflicting information out there as well.

http://blog.gaiam.com/blog/6-ways-to-avoid-or-reduce-new-carpet-smell-and-toxins/

granted, that's one site from a random guy - but I haven't found a really credible source supporting or not supporting one side or the other.

Esh

SkyGheNe wrote: »

Yeah, but there seems to be a lot of conflicting information out there as well.

http://blog.gaiam.com/blog/6-ways-to-avoid-or-reduce-new-carpet-smell-and-toxins/

granted, that's one site from a random guy - but I haven't found a really credible source supporting or not supporting one side or the other.

I think that tells you something then. Just let it air out and don't worry about it.

Iceman.USAF

It depends on the type of glue used. Sorry that doesn't help much, but we use several different types in my particular part of the world to install carpet. Some stuff needs a week to air out before being safe. The fumes can induce headaches for sure.

Esh

Iceman.USAF wrote: »

It depends on the type of glue used. Sorry that doesn't help much, but we use several different types in my particular part of the world to install carpet. Some stuff needs a week to air out before being safe. The fumes can induce headaches for sure.

I think if the fumes are of the "week to air out variety" the installers will let him know.

Straygatsby

New carpet stinks. You're fine. Don't panic.

EggyToast

Generally those "new smells" aren't good for you, but they're not really bad either. Don't stick your nose in it and breathe non-stop for hours. You may experience a headache or something; it's nothing bad, just annoying plastic fumes. You should open windows when possible to help improve airflow and get the smell over with faster.

Iceman.USAF

Esh wrote: »

Iceman.USAF wrote: »

It depends on the type of glue used. Sorry that doesn't help much, but we use several different types in my particular part of the world to install carpet. Some stuff needs a week to air out before being safe. The fumes can induce headaches for sure.

I think if the fumes are of the "week to air out variety" the installers will let him know.

I work in construction. You'd be surprised what gets left out.

colawars

i had a coworker that complained of horrible headaches after getting new carpet installed. if that's not happening to you, good. if you're worried, he said he bought 6-8 spider plants (cheap) and they sucked up most of the obnoxious fumes. they're generally good to get rid of a lot of odors, from what i gather...

Dunadan019

the smell is the glue,

carpeting glue is usually made with a formaldehyde resin.

Formaldehyde can be toxic, allergenic, and carcinogenic.[4] Because formaldehyde resins are used in many construction materials it is one of the more common indoor air pollutants.[22] At concentrations above 0.1 ppm in air formaldehyde can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes, resulting in watery eyes.[23] Formaldehyde inhaled at this concentration may cause headaches, a burning sensation in the throat, and difficulty breathing, as well as triggering or aggravating asthma symptoms.

If you were lucky and it was made from formaldehyde free adhesive (more expensive) then it would just smell funny.

IMO, open some windows and put a coat on. unless the contractor left a bucket of uncovered glue sitting around, its probably not strong enough to do any harm. IANAD