A soft carpet beneath your feet can give you a warm and fuzzy feeling— but things you can’t even see may ruin that glow. Dust mites that hide in your carpet and synthetic compounds used to make it can cause allergies and reactions.

Here’s how to lower your risk of suffering from these hazards.

Allergens
Carpets can increase the presence of allergens in your home. That includes dust that originates indoors as well as dirt, mold spores, and pesticides that originate outdoors and make their way inside.

If you have indoor allergies, experts suggest you install hardwood floors, tile, or linoleum instead of carpet, especially in bedrooms. If you elect to get carpet anyway, purchase a low-pile carpet, which is easier to keep clean.

Whatever you have in your home, vacuum at least once a week with a machine that uses high-efficiency filters. Using a dehumidifier and running your air conditioner in the summer can also cut down on mites, which thrive in warm, humid environments.

Indoor Pollution
Along with many household furnishings, new carpet can be a source of chemical emissions. New carpet and carpet adhesives “off-gas”—that is, they release chemicals into the air through the evaporation of synthetic compounds used in manufacturing. This can go on for some time after installation.

Volatile organic compounds are a common pollutant given off by carpets. Their short- and long-term health effects can include eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; shortness of breath; and fatigue.

When you have new carpet installed, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests you take these precautions:

• Insist on the use of low-emission adhesives.
• Open doors and windows during and after installation for 48 to 72 hours.
• Leave your home during installation and for several hours after completion.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance.

Keep It Clean
Whatever flooring surface you select for your home, keeping it clean and well maintained is one of the most important steps you can take to minimize negative health effects.

For more information, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at www.epa.gov.

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