Indoor Air Pollutants and How to Identify Them

Do you know what the biggest indoor pollutant is?It’s carpeting, partly due to the area of space it covers in your home/office, but the usage of manufactured synthetic fibers (most derived from petrochemicals!!) can cause a variety of upper respiratory illnesses, headaches and fatigue for all occupants-including household pets!

Wall to wall carpeting can off-gass (emit toxins) for up to 5 years after installation.I’m a huge proponent of NO CARPETING period, however, if you must have wall-to-wall-carpeting, there are eco-friendly alternative you can choose.Fibers are now made from recycled plastic bottles, paper, agave plants (think tequila!), wool, cotton and sisal.It should also be noted that the carpet padding you choose can be eco-friendly as well-look for rubber padding.Rubber padding will help extend the lifetime of your carpet and if damaged, all you have to do is cut out the piece that was ruined and place another piece into empty space.

It should also be noted that carpeting is one of the top 3 largest contributors to our landfills.Europe leads North America in the reclamation and recycling of old carpeting and padding-although we are catching up.When purchasing carpet, make sure to ask about their reclamation program.FLOR carpet tiles, Shaw and Mannington all recycle their carpeting.Additional fees may apply so make sure to verify with your designer or salesperson.

DeAnna Radaj, owner of Bante Design LLC and its production division Eden Place Productions, is a designer who specializes in Integrative Lifestyle Design (the fusion of Eastern and Western interior design philosophies incorporating feng shui and healthy home principles). Ms. Radaj is an author/columnist, design consultant, and national speaker on topics like Health Home Design, Feng Shui, Design Tips & Trends, and Clutter (Why We Have It and How to Get Rid of It!). Ms. Radaj is the former editor of the WI ASID newsletter which featured her column, “The Business of Design,” and she has been featured in print, radio, and TV. She has authored Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In and Feng Shui for Teens, and is a weekly contributor to Design2Share, casaGURU, and the Diva Toolbox.