Carpeting/Flooring
Carpets can often be backed with PVC (polyvinyl chloride plastic) or ‘vinyl’ the major use of phthalates. Phthalates increase the risk of reproductive problems and are linked to increased incidences of childhood asthma. PVC may also contain organotins which are toxic to the immune system and which disrupt the hormone and reproductive system in animal studies. Carpets can also contain other chemicals of concern, such as PBDEs (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers which are brominated flame retardants) and PFOAs—a perfluorinated chemical. PBDEs build up in breast milk, can disrupt the thyroid hormone and have been shown in animal studies to disrupt the development of the nervous system. American women have the highest global levels of PBDEs in their breast milk. PFOAs, used as a stain repellant, have now become global pollutants and are found to be carcinogenic in animal studies. Pesticides can also be applied to carpets and textiles prior to sale.
Interface, IKEA and Shaw Inc. are three companies that offer customers the opportunity to purchase safer flooring and carpeting products.
Interface is committed to moving away from petro-based materials to avoid the release and use of harmful chemicals. Their Ingeo™ carpet line uses bio-based, plant-derived fibers and their i2™ flooring products was designed using biomimicry to ensure safe material use that can be reused and recycled infinitely. For more information on Interface products, see CPA’s case study on the company reported in our Healthy Business Strategies Report.
IKEA has phased out the use of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in carpets. IKEA bans the use of PVC in most of its products, which reduces and in some cases eliminates the use of organotins and phthalates. IKEA also bans the use of carcinogens in their products. Click here to learn more about IKEA’s environmental policies.
Shaw Inc. is committed to using MBDC’s Cradle to Cradle protocol (McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry, www.mbdc.com) to replace persistent bioaccumulative toxins with safer alternatives. EcoWorx® Backing, their new carpet back does not contain PVC. Click here to learn more about Shaw’s environmental policies.
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