Consumer Product Safety Commission
Tips for Purchasing and Installing New Carpet
CPSC Document #454
Since 1988, the U.S. Consumer Product Satety
Commission (CPSC) received over 500
complaints associated with new carpet
installation. CPSC evaluated many of these
complaints. The most frequently-reported
symptoms were watery eyes, runny nose, burning
sensation in the eyes, nose and throat, headaches,
rashes, and fatigue. CPSC is currently
investigating the relationship between the carpets
and the reported health problems.
The complaints led CPSC to study what
chemicals come from carpet and whether those
chemicals could cause the health problems that
consumers reported. CPSC collected carpet
samples directly from the production line.
Laboratory work was performed to determine the
types and quantities of chemicals released from
carpet cushions used under the carpet.
The Commission does not currently have
evidence that specific chemical emissions
coming from carpet are responsible for the health
complaints associated with carpet installation.
There have been reports that mice exposed to air
passed over carpets showed severe health
problems and, in some cases, died. At this time
the cause of these health problems and the
implication of these findings for human health
are not known Studies to determine the
significance of these reports are in progress.
In the meantime, here are some practical steps to
consider before purchasing and installing new
carpet:
1. TALK TO THE CARPET
RETAILER/INSTALLER.
 Make sure the installer follows industry
installation guidelines (Residential Carpet
Installation Standard, CRI-105).
2. VENTILATE AREA WITH FRESH AIR to
help reduce chemicals coming from carpet
installation.

Open doors and windows. Increasing the
amount of fresh air In the home will
reduce exposure to most chemicals
released from carpet. During and after
installation, use window fans and room
air conditioners to exhaust fumes to the
outdoors. If you have a ventilation
system, be sure it is in proper working
order. Operate it during installation, and
keep it running for 48 to 72 hours after
the new carpet is installed.

Ask about the carpet industry's voluntary
"green label" program for new carpet.
According to the carpet Industry, the
label tells consumers that this carpet type
has been tested and passed emissions
criteria. The label, however, is not a
guarantee that the carpet will not cause
health problems. A toll-free phone
number is available on the label for
updated information on the industry's
program.

Ask the retailer to unroll and air out the
carpet in a well-ventilated area before
Installation.

Ask for low-emitting adhesives if
adhesives are needed.
3. LEAVE THE HOUSE during and for several
hours after carpet Installation.
4. CONTACT YOUR CARPET RETAILER
if objectionable odors persist.
5. FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER'S
INSTRUCTIONS for proper carpet
maintenance.
009310
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info@cpsc.gov.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or
death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage
from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers
and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to
ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the
past 30 years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800)
638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at
CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.