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Carpet Education

	Carpet Ecology		Fibers and Yarns
	Carpet Consultation		Flammability Testing
	Cleaning Guidelines		Industry
	Carpet Testing		Installations
	Carpet Warranty		Mills Policies
	Construction		Moisture Emission
	Dye Methods

Carpet Ecology

Carpet Ecology is the management and constant study of the functionality, manufacturing and economics of the commercial carpet environment. We review each manufacturers carpet contract, installer applications, the existing environment and the capitalization of its content.

Carpet Ecology studies the relationship of carpet products and its environment. The first analysis is the face fiber. Ninety-three percent of fibers are synthetic and are are derived from petroleum and include several polymers and monomers, a non-renewable resource. Maintaining the value of that resource for as long as possible through facility practices and relamination programs contributes directly to petroleum capitalization and reducing the negative impact of landfills and provides feedstock for other products.

Another way of recycling is downcycling, a form of recycling where carpet fibers are separated and remelted for use in non-critical plastic applications. This is the standard practice for recycling carpet fibers of nylon type 6,6. Eventually, the nylon quality is degraded to the point where it can no longer be recycled and is disposed, typically in landfills. PET soda bottle recycling into carpet fibers is also a form of downcycling since the resulting fibers are disposed at the end of the carpet life.

Carpet is not an allergic or hazardous textile. Dr Mary Lasley, M.D. an expert on Allergy & Immunology at Northwest Asthma and Allergy Center, with the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington addresses allergies with relation to carpet. Dr. Lasley describes allergies as any substance that can trigger an allergic response. Besides indoor substances, outdoor pollens do not.

Dr. Lasley's research shows that the molecular group that makes up synthetic carpet does not have allergenic contaminants. Although natural fiber has proven allergens, synthetic carpet does not.

To reduce allergies in an office the following are recommended steps that should be taken to reduce exposures:

1. Lack of Circulation

a. Opening windows to let indoor allergens out of the home can bring outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold spores into the house.
b. Circulate and dehumidify the air in the home.
c. Also, using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove airborne allergens, such as pet dander, can lessen the amount of circulating allergens. Dust mite and cockroach allergen are heavy particles that do not stay suspended in the air and settle quickly, so air filters do not work well for these allergens.

2. Moisture

Dust mites and molds thrive only in high humidity areas. Maintain the homes relative humidity level below 55 percent by using heat and/or air-conditioning equipment consistently and using a dehumidifier where necessary - doing so will discourage dust mite and mold growth. Repair all roof and plumbing leaks to prevent mold growth.

3. Cleaning

Cleaning is the best way to reduce allergens. Done regularly, cleaning stops allergens from accumulating, which helps minimize allergy and/or asthma symptoms. In order to control these allergens, wash bed linens and curtains should be washed frequently. Clean and disinfect wet, warm areas - such as kitchens and bathrooms weekly to stop mold growth

Smooth floors should be vacuumed, dusted and wet mopped weekly. When sweeping, take care not to circulate dust from the floor into the air.

Carpet Ecology also understands the microenvironment of carpet and its contribution to work environments in the form of worker productivity, health status and quality of life.

In this case, moisture emission testing is the most prudent and necessary safeguard for the building owners and architects. This type of testing is to prevent sick building syndrome and protect the health of the tenants and the performance of the carpet.

Moisture testing tests for vapor emissions and alkalinity. During this process the inspection of contaminants of existing substrate are followed.

The Indoor Air Quality program testing criteria determines the emissions rates in milligrams per sq. meter per hour of

Tvoc (Total Volatile Organic Compounds)
Styrene
4-PC (4 Phenylcyclonexene)
Formaldehyde (to show that none is used in the manufacturing of carpet.)

Factors that Impact IAQ

	People (exhalation, body odor, diseases)
	Activities (work activities such as cleaning practices, using correction fluids or Carbonless paper; pest control practices; or personal activities, such as smoking Or wearing fragrances)
	Technology (photocopiers and laser printers)
	Furnishings (furniture, draperies, floor coverings)
	Finishes (paint, varnish, vinyl wall coverings)
	Building materials (caulking compounds, adhesives, wood laminate products)
	Outdoor air quality.
	Inadequate or contaminated air handling units.
	Inadequate cleaning practices.

TVOC Emission Rates of Selected Interior Construction Materials