If you are planning on buying synthetic carpet (i.e. not wool or felt), or you have previously installed synthetic carpet and you want to know it is safe, you can use this template to ask the carpet company whether their carpet contains toxic chemicals:
I am interested in getting your carpet –CARPET PRODUCT NAME– installed in my home.
I have recently come across information that says that some synthetic carpeting can be harmful to human health. Could you confirm your carpet does not contain any of the following toxic chemicals?
The report ‘Toxics in Carpets in the European Union’ from Anthesis Consulting Group PLC (https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/sites/default/files/knowledge_-_toxics_in_carpets_eu_review_anthesis_final_study.pdf) says on page 42 that the phthalates DBP and BBP are ‘toxic to reproduction, acutely toxic to aquatic life, bioaccumulative, and toxic to human health.’ The report also says on page 42 that for the phthalates DINP and DIDP ‘evidence suggests that DINP may be a potential carcinogen, endocrine disruptor, as well as a developmental toxicant’. The report also goes on to recommend on page 44 that people should ‘avoid carpet made with recycled PVC, as these materials are usually contaminated with phthalates.’ Could you please confirm your carpet product does not contain DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, or recycled PVC?
The report ‘Toxics in Carpets in the European Union’ from Anthesis Consulting Group PLC (https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/sites/default/files/knowledge_-_toxics_in_carpets_eu_review_anthesis_final_study.pdf) says on page 48 that ‘[a]pproximately 90% of biocides found in textiles are coating treatments and not bound to the textile fibre. Therefore, these substances may be exposed to consumer via inhalation and skin/eye exposure.’ Examples of biocides given in the report on page 46 include ‘formaldehyde, permethrin, 10,10′-Oxybisphenoxarsine (OBPA), isothiazolones, zinc pyrithione (ZPT), and 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate’. Could you please confirm your carpet product does not contain formaldehyde, permethrin, 10,10′-Oxybisphenoxarsine (OBPA), isothiazolones, zinc pyrithione (ZPT), 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate, or triclosan (which is banned in the EU)?
The report ‘Toxics in Carpets in the European Union’ from Anthesis Consulting Group PLC (https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/sites/default/files/knowledge_-_toxics_in_carpets_eu_review_anthesis_final_study.pdf) says on page 51 that ‘flame retardants can migrate out of the carpet and become part of household dust that can be inhaled or ingested’ and also says on page 49 ‘[m]any of these flame retardants are linked to neurological effects, endocrine disruption, decreased fertility, lower birth weights, as well as developmental and cognitive problems in subsequent generations’. The report says on page 49 ‘[h]alogenated flame retardants are probably the most universally known class of flame retardants and include polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) [&] tris-(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP)’ and that ‘[a] U.S. study reported that exposure to specific PBDEs was a risk factor for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) – a common childhood cancer.’ Regarding non-halogenated organophosphorus flame retardants such as TCP, the report found on page 49 that ‘TCP may have significant hazards such as reproductive toxicity as well as potential developmental and neurological effects’. Regarding the flame retardants TCEP and TDCP, the report found on page 50 that the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) ‘identified a risk to children exposed to TCEP, TCPP, TDCP’. The report also says on page 50 that ‘[t]he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering restrictions on TPP under the Toxic Substances Control Act’. Could you please confirm your carpet product does not contain PBDEs, TCEP, TCP, TCEP, TDCP, or TPP?
The report ‘Toxics in Carpets in the European Union’ from Anthesis Consulting Group PLC (https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/sites/default/files/knowledge_-_toxics_in_carpets_eu_review_anthesis_final_study.pdf) says on page 52 that ‘perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) [&] perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)’ are ‘toxic synthetic chemicals’. The report goes on to say on page 52 that ‘[t]he PFAS class contains thousands of chemicals, not just PFOA and PFOS. Other PFAS include but are not limited to perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluoronic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA), perfluoroethridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) and perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA). Again, many of these are structurally similar and may possess similar hazards’. Could you please confirm your carpet product does not contain PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFDoDA, PFTrDA, or PFTeDA?
The report ‘Toxics in Carpets in the European Union’ from Anthesis Consulting Group PLC (https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/sites/default/files/knowledge_-_toxics_in_carpets_eu_review_anthesis_final_study.pdf) says on page
54 that ‘[h]eavy metals are used in carpet as metal complex dyes, pigments, mordants, catalysts in synthetic fabrics or carpet backing, synergists of flame retardants, antimicrobials, water repellents, or odour prevention agents. Some of these heavy metals can be highly toxic and include lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg)’. The report goes on to say on page 55 that ‘[m]any of the heavy metals used in carpets can be toxic to human and environmental health … Many heavy metals above certain exposure pathways and levels have known neurotoxic, carcinogenic, and developmental effects’. Could you please confirm your carpet product does not contain lead, cadmium, mercury, tibutyltin (TBT), dioctyltin (DOT), dimethyltin (DMIT), dibutyltin (DBT), tetrabutyltin (TeBT), or silver?
The report ‘Toxics in Carpets in the European Union’ from Anthesis Consulting Group PLC (https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/sites/default/files/knowledge_-_toxics_in_carpets_eu_review_anthesis_final_study.pdf) says on page 59 that ‘research around brominated azo dyes being found in carpet also shows how … hazardous aromatic amines can migrate from the carpet fibres leaving children, with their hand and mouth behaviours, particularly vulnerable to their toxic effects.’ Could you please confirm your carpet product does not use azo dyes that break down into the more hazardous aromatic amines?
The report ‘Toxics in Carpets in the European Union’ from Anthesis Consulting Group PLC (https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/sites/default/files/knowledge_-_toxics_in_carpets_eu_review_anthesis_final_study.pdf) says on page
‘[m]any PAHs are known carcinogens in addition to having other hazards. For example, Benzo[a]pyrene is a well-known carcinogen, mutagen, and reprotoxicant (CMR) as well as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT), in addition to being a skin sensitizing substance’ and goes on to say on page 61 of the report that ‘in carpets consumers are exposed primarily via dermal contact. PAHs can also enter the body through the lungs via inhalation, usually of particulate dust arising from carpet abrasion’. Could you please confirm your carpet product does not contain any PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)?
The report ‘Toxics in Carpets in the European Union’ from Anthesis Consulting Group PLC (https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/sites/default/files/knowledge_-_toxics_in_carpets_eu_review_anthesis_final_study.pdf) says on page 61 that ‘Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic compounds that easily become vapours or gases at room temperature … that smell is the off-gassing of potentially toxic VOCs impacting indoor air quality and consequently human health. Many of the chemicals used in carpets, some mentioned in this report, are toxic VOCs. For example, a survey and risk assessment of chemical substances in rugs for children identified that carpets are a possible source of exposure to styrene (as used in SBR latex carpet backings). The same survey identified that 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH), which is a toxic byproduct from the polymerization of styrene and butadiene for SBR latex carpet backings, will be emitted for over 14 days at a high emission rate’. Further on in the report on page 66 the report says ‘styrene is classified as a reproductive hazard. Butadiene is classification as a carcinogen and mutagen. Specific cancers include leukaemia and lymphoma.’ Could you please confirm your product does not contain styrene or butadiene?
The report ‘Toxics in Carpets in the European Union’ from Anthesis Consulting Group PLC (https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/sites/default/files/knowledge_-_toxics_in_carpets_eu_review_anthesis_final_study.pdf) says on page 64 says that ‘[v]inyl chloride and other chemical additives in … PVC carpet materials, such as carpet backing, off-gas into household air.’ The report also says on page 63 of the report that ‘the vinyl chloride monomer that is the backbone of PVC is hazardous and classified as a carcinogen in the EU. It is also expected to cause acute central nervous system effects, as well as chronic health effects such as liver, brain, lung, lymphatic and blood cancers as well as neurological diseases such as motor neurone disease. Residual amounts of the monomer can exist post production and can be inhaled’. Could you please confirm your product does not contain PVC?
The report ‘Toxics in Carpets in the European Union’ from Anthesis Consulting Group PLC (https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/sites/default/files/knowledge_-_toxics_in_carpets_eu_review_anthesis_final_study.pdf) says on page 67 that ‘Polyurethane (PU) is a polymer derived from the reaction of isocyanates with polyols. PU is used in carpet backing and PU foam is used as carpet padding. The two most common isocyanates used in the production of PU are
MDI and TDI. These isocyanates can also degrade into anilines (aromatic amines) … isocyanates and anilines, are hazardous’. The report goes on to say pages 67 and 68 ‘[d]iisocyanates, methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and toluene diphenyl diisocyanate (TDI) for example, are known skin and respiratory sensitizers as well as suspected carcinogens. Additionally, diisocyanates are a major cause of occupational asthma. Free, unreacted isocyanates are commonly present in polyurethane consumer products. They have been identified on the surface of polyurethane carpet pad and pillows, for example. Anilines are aromatic amines and are suspected carcinogens and have concerns related to genotoxicity. Anilines are easily absorbed via inhalation or skin contact and are known to interfere with the body’s ability to carry oxygen in the blood.’ Could you please confirm your product does not contain any polyurethane ingredients including any isocyanates (such as MDI or TDI) or diisocyanates?
The report ‘Testing For Toxics’ from the Changing Markets Foundation (http://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SMALL-changing-markets-layout-EN.pdf) says in the Executive Summary on page 6 that research published in 2018 by VU Amsterdam, the Ecology Centre, and the University of Notre Dame found ‘[f]ound a number of chemical groups in … carpet samples, including phthalates, flame retardants and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), as well as indications of antimicrobials, isocyanates, nonylphenol and bisphenol A (BPA). Several of these substances have been classified as, or are suspected to be, carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and/or causes of developmental harm. These are worrying findings, as consumers – are exposed to these products on a daily basis.’ Could you please confirm your carpet product does not contain:
• phthalates (DEHP, DNOP, DMP)
• flame retardants (TCPP, TDCPP)
• nonylphenols
• PFASs (PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHpA, HFPO-DA, PFBS, PFHxS, 6:2FTS)
• antimicrobials (2-Methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (MIT), Methylchloroisothiazolinone)
• Bisphenol A (BPA)
• or isocyanates (4,4’-methylenebis (phenyl isocyanate)(MDI), 2 4’-methylenebis (phenyl isocyanate), diphenylmethane-2,2’-diisocyanate, and 4,4’-methylenebis (phenyl isocyanate))?
Lastly, the report ‘Testing For Toxics’ from the Changing Markets Foundation (http://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SMALL-changing-markets-layout-EN.pdf) lists in the Appendix on page 46 six common carpet certifications which regulate toxic chemicals. Is your carpet product certified by any of the following: GUT, Blue Angel, Nordic Swan, Cradle-2-Cradle (C2C), CRI Green Label Plus, or BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)?
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