Carpet and Rug Guidelines

OMB Control Number 3041-0029

Appendix 105
Revised August 1990
CARPETS AND RUGS (IAQ)
I.

INTRODUCTION

The Commission's Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) project has a
number of component efforts. The study of carpet emissions is a
major task in Fiscal Year 1989. The characterization of the
chemicals offgassed in the home environment and possible adverse
health effects that result from the exposure may lead to better
manufacturing controls and recommendations to reduce possibly
harmful consumer exposures.
A.

Background Information

The Commission has received a number of complaints of
adverse reactions to chemicals emitted from carpets and rugs in
the home environment. Most of the complaints involve newly
installed carpets in both new and existing homes. Other Federal
agencies have received reports of employee illness after the
installation of new carpeting in homes and the work place. In
general, reports of occupationally related illness are outside
the scope of CPSC interest.
In-depth investigations are vital to establish the
credibility of the complaint by documenting the presence of
chemical emissions from the carpet, rug, padding, contact
adhesives, additives or treatments; by obtaining medical
diagnosis where available; by obtaining copies of any laboratory
reports on tests conducted; by relating the onset of symptoms to
exposure to the carpet or rug for each occupant, and by reporting
other product-specific details.
B.

Product Description

There are many types of carpets and rugs of different
materials and construction. Most of the carpets installed in
consumers' homes have synthetic latex rubber used in the
construction. It is thought that chemical ingredients of this
rubber may be emitting a byproduct residual pollutant: 4Phenylcyclohexene (4-PC), over time. Efforts are currently
underway to measure 4-PC and other chemicals emitted from
suspect carpets, rugs and padding.
C.

Specific Items of Interest
1.

Measurement of chemicals offgassed from carpets,
rugs, padding, or adhesives.

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Determine if the carpet, rug, padding, or adhesive
was tested for offgassed chemicals. If so,
characterize, at measured levels, the chemicals
offgassed. Determine if the carpet was tested directly
for the presence of various chemical components and/or
an air sample was taken at the site of the carpet by a
laboratory or testing firm. Obtain copies of any test
results. If tests were not conducted, determine how the
complainant concluded that chemicals were offgassed
from the carpet, rug, padding, or adhesive.
2.

Medical documentation

Some complainants report that their physicians
have diagnosed these health problems as related to
chemicals offgassed from carpets, rugs, padding, or
adhesives used to secure carpets to flooring. In some
cases, consumers have been advised to leave their
homes. Verification of such medical advice is
invaluable in establishing cause and effect. Obtain
written permission from the complainant and, if
possible, obtain appropriate hospital or physician
records for medical treatment thought to be related to
exposure to chemicals emitted from carpet, rugs,
padding, or adhesives.
D.

Headquarters Contacts
Leonard Schachter, EPHA 492-6470 1
William Menza, HS 492-6957 1
Susan Womble, EXPB 492-6554

II. INSTRUCTIONS FOR COLLECTING SPECIFIC INFORMATION

A.

Synopsis

Include a brief discussion of the number of complainants who
exhibit symptoms, the number of occupants who did NOT exhibit
symptoms, the type of symptoms reported, and the outcome of
treatment for these symptoms. Include the following key words,
as appropriate, carpet, rug, padding, adhesive, type of chemical
offgassed, disposition of carpet, rug, or padding, and patient
disposition.

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Revised August 1990

B. Description of the Incident Environment
Describe the home: i.e., single family, multi-family,
apartment or mobile home and its location to nearby (within 5
miles) environmental sources of pollutants including factories,
toxic waste sites, congested highways (smog), or construction
sites. Determine the approximate distance to the pollutant
source.
Describe other possible sources of pollutants in the home in
addition to the carpet or rug and any chemicals recently applied
to the carpet (i.e., shampoos, biocides, preservatives,
soil-resistance, etc.). Pollutant sources may include cigarette
smoking, gas cooking or heating appliances, new furnishings, urea
formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI), newly painted areas, termite
or pesticide treatment, or building renovations, including
particle board and plywood. If possible, relate initial exposure
to these sources and onset of present symptoms.
Obtain any other information that might be helpful, such as
the age of the building; the type of heating system (e.g., forced
air, steam radiator, electric, etc.); the type of fuel used for
heating or cooking; the type of humidifiers used in the home; the
type of insulation and date installed.
Indicate whether you (the investigator) smell any odor from
the carpet or rug or notice any irritating effects from the
exposure.
C.

Description of the Injured Person(s)
and Product Interaction
Supply information about:
1.

The age, sex, height, and weight of each victim,
as well as any other relevant body measurements,
physical impairments (including fatigue, and
alcohol or drug use), occupation, whether contact
lenses are affected, and smoking history.

2.

For each complainant, describe the nature,
severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms.
Determine if symptoms faded out over time if
carpet WAS NOT removed. Determine if symptoms
disappeared or decreased in severity or frequency
if carpet WAS removed. In previous complaints
associated with carpet and rugs, the following
symptoms have been reported: inability to
concentrate; headaches; nausea; burning of the
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Revised August 1990

eyes, nose, and sinus cavities; chapped lips;
depression; shortness of breath; sore throat;
itchy skin; irritated tongue; blurred vision;
fatigue; sleepiness; allergic reactions; rashes in
the face; and worsening of an arthritic condition.

D.

3.

Sensitization: probe whether affected persons
react to other products such as smoke, fabrics,
newsprint, cosmetics, UFFI, products containing
formaldehyde or other products with similar
symptoms. Outline the relevant health history of
occupants.

4.

Stipulate whether any factors aggravate the health
problems such as heat, humidity, season of the
year, time of day, or ventilation. Also list what
conditions make the symptoms improve.
Specifically explain any change in reaction when
affected persons leave the home, and also when
they are re-exposed. Note if the house was
vacated because of adverse reactions to the
chemicals emitted by the carpet.

5.

Determine how soon after the carpet, rug or
padding was installed the symptoms began to
appear. Also determine how much time during the
day the occupants are at home.

6.

Detail the medical diagnosis and treatment.
Indicate whether hospitalization was required and
for what condition. Provide medical documentation
of diagnosis and medical treatment. This is
especially important if a physician linked
symptoms to chemicals offgassed from carpets,
rugs, padding, or adhesives.

Description of the Product
1.

Describe the type of carpet or rug and padding;
the date installed; the approximate dimensions of
floor space in cubic feet; the quantity installed
(e.g., 9' X 12'); the manufacturer; brand name;
color; construction; and lot number; and specific
location in the home. (You may have to contact
the dealer for that information.)

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Appendix 105
Revised August 1990

2.

Determine if the carpet was tackless or glued down
to the floor. If glued, describe the type of glue
or adhesive used to secure the carpet to the
flooring. (You may have to contact the installer
for this information.)

3.

Describe any carpet additives or treatments
including shampoos, biocides, preservatives,
soil-resistance, etc.

4.

If possible, contact the wholesaler or retailer to
learn when the carpet or rug was purchased from
the manufacturer and under what conditions of
airing it was stored.

5.

Determine whether the consumer received any
warning that the product would, or might, produce
an odor. If so, provide a copy of written
material or substance of oral information.

6.

List all sources of help contacted by the
complainant and the outcome.

7.

Describe any remedies attempted to alleviate the
problem and their degree of success.

NOTE: If complainants want measurements taken; refer
them to state or local health departments or commercial
testing labs.

E.

Product Safety Standards

There are currently no mandatory or voluntary product
safety standards for the offgassing of chemicals from carpets or
rugs.
III. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING AND/OR DIAGRAMING
FACTORS RELATED TO THE INVESTIGATION

Photograph or diagram the room(s) in which the carpet or rug
was installed. Photograph any labels or any identification of
the manufacturer of the carpet or rug.

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Revised August 1990
IV.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR OBTAINING SAMPLES AND DOCUMENTS
RELATED TO THE INVESTIGATION

Unless otherwise instructed, DO NOT obtain a sample of the
suspect carpet, rug, or padding.
Obtain any reports of medical documentation.
Obtain the name, address, and phone number of agency or lab
that conducted tests, and copies of the test protocols and
Results.

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Appendix 105
Revised August 1990

DATA RECORD SHEET
Instructions for Collecting Specific Information
A.1. Symptoms and Treatment
Now, could you please briefly describe for me the number and age
of all persons) exhibiting any symptoms, the type of symptoms
reported, and the outcome of treatment for these symptoms. In
addition, please describe those individuals who did NOT have any
symptoms. (In previous reports, the following symptoms were
reported: inability to concentrate; headaches; nausea; burning
of the eyes, nose, and sinus cavities; chapped lips; depression;
shortness of breath; sore throat; itchy skin; irritated tongue;
blurred vision; fatigue; sleepiness; allergic reactions; rashes
on the face and body; and worsening of an arthritic condition.)
[INTERVIEWER: Use space as appropriate.]
Person #1: ______________________________________________________
Age and Sex: ____________________________________________________
Symptoms: _______________________________________________________
Treatment: ______________________________________________________
Person #2: ______________________________________________________
Age and Sex: ____________________________________________________
Symptoms: _______________________________________________________
Treatment: ______________________________________________________
Person #3: ______________________________________________________
Age and Sex: ____________________________________________________
Symptoms: _______________________________________________________
Treatment: ______________________________________________________

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