Bedroom Flooring-Carpet TestingCarpet testing can be accomplished by sending in samples to have them tested for chemicals prior to installation. Anderson Laboratories in Vermont is one such place. They provide very good quality testing that is scientific and objective. Their phone # is: 802-295-7344. Another effective method to test carpeting yourself, is to cut a small sample and place it in a jar next to you while you sleep. If you notice undesirable odors, or get a headache, or respiratory symptoms or other symptoms develop, don’t use the carpeting for bedroom flooring. If it’s already been installed, consider replacing it. It’s truly not worth it to risk your health over carpeting. If it’s especially toxic, and you are sensitive, you may suffer irreversible and life-changing health problems from it. The composition of the carpet is more important than how long it’s been in the home, because if it’s made out of lots of toxic materials it will off-gas for many years, and can adversely and severely affect your health. The backing on bedroom carpets should be treated with a sealant spray that prevents outgassing. We did this with our living room carpeting, and there was absolutely no “new” smell after doing it, and it did have an odor prior to spraying it. (Now I know more about carpets than I did then, and would have installed something altogether different.) It was a bit of work trying to treat both the front and back of the carpet prior to installation, but was well worth the effort. However, you could always hire someone to do this for you. By carefully choosing your bedroom flooring, you can greatly decrease your chemical exposures and prevent illness caused by the many chemicals present in carpets.
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