Cornell University Ergonomics Web

CARPET AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Facility Planning and Management NOTES, Volume. 1, Number 2.

by:

Lorraine Maxwell, Ph.D. and Alan Hedge, Ph.D.
Department of Design and Environmental Analysis, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.

Copies available from: 

The Resource Center PO Box 3884 Ithaca NY 14852-3884
Phone: (607) 255-2080 Fax: (607) 255-9946
E-mail: resctr@cornell.edu

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SUMMARY

The relationship between carpet, indoor air quality, and health has received considerable attention in the media. Many people are exposed to carpet for extended periods in the home, school, or workplace. A lot of children in child care centers are exposed to carpet because many centers use carpet to provide soft surfaces, which is desirable. In fact, more than 1 billion square yards of carpet to be used as floor covering are sold each year in the United States. If exposure to carpet causes adverse health effects, this would concern many people.

Current scientific information shows that installing new carpet in homes, schools, or workplaces should not cause concern.

Although carpet and all floor coverings have limitations, the benefits of carpet and the low health risks associated with it make carpet a good choice for a variety of situations.


The views expressed and the conclusions drawn in this report are solely those of the authors.