July 30, 2026

How Carpets And Rugs Harm Indoor Air Quality

Carpets and rugs keep your home warm and cozy…but they can harbor dust, dust mites, fungal spores, pet dander and other allergens. Whether old or new, carpets and rugs can be a source of air pollutants, which affect indoor air quality negatively. Does that mean you need to rip them up and remodel with tile or wood? Thankfully, no. New Carpets There aren’t too many carpets that are made from natural products. Most carpets are made from chemicals, which is why they have that “new carpet smell.” The padding and glue used to lay carpets contain harsh chemicals, and when these chemicals are released into the air they can cause coughs, shortness of breath, headaches and skin rashes. Thankfully, there are lower emission carpets, padding and adhesives for people who are sensitive to the smell of new carpet. Other things you can that help with lowering emissions and fumes include: airing out the carpet before installation, keeping windows and doors open and the air conditioning running for at least 72 hours after installation, and vacuuming more often; all of these things will get rid of chemical odors much faster. Old Carpets Old carpets and rugs have their own challenges. They can be packed with dust, mold and mildew, which are triggers for allergies and asthma. In fact, the National Center for Healthy Housing cautions against wall to wall carpeting for people with severe allergies and asthma. Old carpets are especially harmful to babies and toddlers who spend a good portion…