When installing or using carpet in the workplace, workers are potentially exposed to multiple chemicals in low doses emitted from both the materials involved to make the product and the manufacturing process. Low doses of chemicals over long periods from carpets, carpet adhesives, carpet cleaners and other chemical products and residues, can result in some individuals developing chemical sensitivities. Asthma and other allergies can also be aggravated by the use of carpet especially if it is not cleaned regularly.
Carpets are now predominantly made of man made fibres such as nylon, polyester and polypropylene, along with some available in natural fibres such as wool or cotton. When installing carpet, adhesives and a carpet underlay are also usually used.
To reduce exposure to chemicals and allergens associated with the use of carpet, consideration can be given to carpet alternatives such as: timber floorboards, tiling, matting, linoleum (lino), cork, slate or concrete floors. Hard floors are more asthma friendly due to dust mites not being able to breed on these surfaces, with hard floors also being easier to clean. It must be noted that hard floors also have potential chemicals associated with them due to sealers, manufacturing components and processes.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For individuals with asthma, allergies or those sensitive to chemicals, the installation and use of carpet within the workplace can contribute to symptoms. These symptoms may potentially reduce productivity and work performance. If carpeting is necessary within the workplace, consider taking measures to reduce exposure of employees to chemicals and allergens by:
- install carpet when the building is not occupied
- leave newly carpeted rooms empty for 24–72 hours following installation with good air ventilation to help remove odours
- when selecting carpet, choose products with low chemical emission ratings, low pile and synthetic fibres with rubber underlay if wanting to be asthma friendly
- vacuum the carpet thoroughly after installation
- ensure low emission carpet adhesives are used during installation.
- consider the use of scatter rugs when appropriate as these can be hung out and beaten, this will remove allergens
- consider carpets which are easier to clean, such as short pile carpets.
The following sources may also be useful:
References
Asthma Tasmania 2010, Pamphlet: Breathe easy not wheezy – Make your home asthma friendly, Asthma Tasmania, Battery Point, viewed 23 February 2011, http://www.asthmatas.org.au/pdf/Asthma%20Brochure.pdf.
CRI (no date specified), What is CRI? Frequently Asked Questions, The Carpet and Rug Institute, Georgia, viewed 23 February 2011, http://www.carpet-rug.org/about-cri/what-is-cri/frequently-asked-questions.cfm.
Asthma Foundation (no date specified),Towards the Low Allergy Home, The Asthma Foundation of WA, viewed 23 February 2011, West Perth, http://www.asthmawa.org.au/About-Asthma/Asthma-Factsheets/Towards-the-Low-Allergen-Home/.
Job Accommodation Network 2010, Accommodation and Compliance Series: Employees with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Environmental Illness, U.S. Department of Labor, West Virginia, viewed 23 February 2011, http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/MCS.html.
OHS Reps @ Work (no date specified), Multiple Chemical Sensitivity – What is it? OHS Reps @ Work, Melbourne, viewed 23 February 2011, http://www.ohsrep.org.au/hazards/chemicals/multiple-chemical-sensitivity/index.cfm.