Healthy Housing

Written by Daniel Mark Norris Newton Davis

Originally Posted: 11-9-08

Last Updated: 2-17-09

Carpeting

Along with the introduction of wall to wall carpeting during the 1970s, came an increase in the problems of toxic mold in homes, schools and workplaces. When carpets are cleaned it is difficult to get the carpets dried out, especially the pads underneath. When water and other liquids are spilled on the carpets, it is very difficult to completely dry out the carpet and the pad underneath. The only way to completely dry out the carpet, pad and flooring is to pull the carpet up and use fans to dry them out. This is especially significant in rental units, where tennants spill liquids and do not properly clean up and dry out the carpeting. If building materials, such as wood, plaster board, and carpeting are not dried out within 24-48 hours after getting wet, mold growth will manifest itself. This is one of the undisputed facts recognized by all professional and governmental agencies dealing with the mold issue.

In order to truly understand and appreciate the seriousness of molding carpets, one must understand the process. The purpose of mold is to degenerate, decompose, break down all biological material to it's basic elements. In the case of wood, mold sucks the moisture and nutrients out of the piece of wood, turning it into dry rot dust. The rotting process is the molding process. In the case of carpet molding, it breaks down the fibers and other material and chemicals. As the carpet breaks down, the various chemicals from which it was made are released into the air as dust. For instance, if that plywood or carpet is made using formaldehyde, as it rots, molds, breaks down, the formaldehyde is released into the air. In the time of napolean many items were made using arsenic. As those items molded the arsenic was released into the air, and into the bodies of people breathing that air.

The newer material from which carpeting is manufactured involve the use of many toxic chemicals. Many people suffer from Multiple Sensitivity as a result of newly installed carpeting. With the high percentage of time people spend indoors, breathing concentrations of chemicals coming off the new carpeting, and absorbing these chemicals into their bodies, often causes health problems. The effects of mold and their mycotoxins are harmful enough on the human body. Then you add the effects of all the chemicals the materials were manufactured with. So, it should not be any surprise that people who suffer toxic mold exposures often end up with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

National Treasury Employees Union-Chapter 280: Toxic Carpet and Indoor Quality

Dr. William Rea: Designing and Building a Healthy Home or Office

Northampton Wellness Associates: Breathe Easy: Coping With Indoor Inhalants, Allergies and Toxins

Foundation for Integrated Medicine: A Healthy Home