Q u estions and Answers

Q. Is formaldehyde used to make carpet?

A. No, not anymore. Formaldehyde was taken out of the manufacturing process over a decade ago, even though the quantities were so minute they were unlikely to do anyone any harm.

Q. If I have allergies, am I likely to have a reaction to new carpet?

A. Billions of yards of carpet have been sold without any problems. In fact more than 70% of all floors in Canada have carpet. Relatively speaking, few people have reported experiencing any allergic reaction with new carpet. However, there are highly sensitive individuals who claim to have had an allergic reaction to new carpet. These complaints have averaged about 1 in every 200,000 carpet installations.

If you consider yourself to be highly sensitive to chemicals and are planning to purchase carpet, you may want to leave the premises while the carpet is being installed.

Q. What is the Testing and Labeling Program, and how do I know if the carpet I am buying is part of the program?

A. The Testing & Labeling Program is designed to bring even lower the already low levels of chemicals, which might be released from the carpet.

Carpet which has passed the CRI’s testing requirements receives a green CRI Indoor Air Quality Label.

The program is relatively new, so there may be some products in a showroom which have passed the test but have not received the label.

Q. What should I do if I think I am having an adverse reaction to my carpet?

A. Ventilation is very useful when new carpet is installed. You should ventilate the room, open windows, and use fans to increase the flow of fresh air. The new carpet smell should go away within 48-72 hours.

If symptoms persist, they may be the result of any number of causes. However, you may wish to obtain medical advice and diagnosis.

In addition, there are consumer brochures on carpet and indoor air quality for your review - ask your retailer.

Q. Should I buy carpet?

A. Carpet covers more than 70% of all floors in Canada. Millions of people enjoy the beauty, function, insulation properties and performance provided by carpet every day.