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- $Unique_ID{BRK01910}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Carpet Allergies?}
- $Subject{Carpet carpets carpeting allergy Allergies weepy eye eyes runny nose
- cause causes chemical chemicals irritant irritants irritations allergic-like
- symptom symptoms headache headaches tired fatigue rash rashes house home
- apartment apartments formaldehyde preservative preservative fiber fibers
- Consumer Product Safety Commission CPSC Environmental Protection Agency EPA
- Green Label emission emissions test tests testing hint hints tip Tips
- environment environments}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
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- Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Carpet Allergies?
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- QUESTION: Our joy in moving into a brand new apartment recently was marred
- when my wife developed weepy eyes and runny nose. It wasn't like a cold, for
- it continued for days. When we finally consulted our doctor, he pinpointed
- the new carpet in the apartment as the probable cause. Is this logical? This
- is brand new carpeting and no one else has ever lived in the apartment. Any
- information you may have on this would be very appreciated.
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- ANSWER: There is a good chance that your doctor's diagnosis is correct.
- There is a growing body of evidence that new carpeting may contain chemical
- irritants that can cause allergic-like symptoms in individuals who are
- sensitive to these substances. The symptoms include watery eyes, a runny
- nose, headaches, burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat, even rashes
- and fatigue. The symptoms start within a few days of moving into the newly
- carpeted apartment or house, and so helps to point to the new source of
- irritations. There are more than 40 different chemicals used in the
- production of many new types of carpeting, including formaldehyde, which is
- used as a preservative for some carpet fibers. The U.S. Consumer Product
- Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have
- been studying the problem for some time, since the number of complaints began
- to increase. They advise that residents stay out of their homes while new
- carpeting is being installed, and that rooms be well ventilated with fresh air
- for some time afterward, using fans and air conditioners to rid the air of
- fibers. Carpet manufacturers have developed a label called the "Green Label"
- for carpets that have passed a set of chemical emissions tests. While not a
- guarantee that reactions will not occur, it is an indication that there is a
- much lower quantity of chemical emissions from that brand or type of carpet.
- The good news is that the amount of chemicals diminish rapidly over time. You
- should be able to obtain more information about your problem and other similar
- health situations related to new carpet by calling the Consumer Product Safety
- Commission at 1-800-638-CPSC to hear their HotLine Tips and to obtain the
- directions that permit you to request their brochures about carpets.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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