Auburn, Feb. 21---Consumers beware: Newly installed carpet may be adding more than fresh new color and style to your home. It may also be a culprit behind indoor air pollution.

Contrary to opinion, fibers are only one component of carpeting. Carpeting is also comprised of cushions and adhesives. Adhesives, in turn, are the sum total of a variety of chemical components used to enhance stickiness and other factors that make installation easier.

But these compounds comprise only a handful of the vast array of chemicals often found in carpets.

"When you count carpet dyes, topical treatments such as antistatic and fire-retardant agents, and additional chemicals added for stain resistance, these chemicals really begin adding up," says Laura Booth, Alabama Cooperative Extension System associate for environmental programs.

"This is not even counting the fungicides and pesticides that are sometimes included in new carpets," she adds.

When carpet is installed, many of these chemicals, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are released into the air – a process known as off-gassing. Studies, in fact, have shown carpets emit a variety of VOCs.

Even older carpets may harbor biological contaminants, such as bacteria, dust mites, fungi, mold spores, pollen and animal dander.

Indeed, for some consumers, carpets, old and new alike, often function as an allergy factory for all sorts of reactions ranging from chronic headaches to sneezing and runny noses.

With this in mind, the U.S. Environmental Protection agency offers several recommendations to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

First, vacuum your old carpet before its removal and replacement by the new carpet to minimize dispersing pollutants.

Second, arrange with your carpet dealer or installer to allow time for the new carpet to "rest" unrolled in a well-ventilated area – at least 24 hours prior to installation.

Also, see about purchasing low-emitting carpet, cushion and adhesives.

Finally, ventilate properly. Plan for installation during mild weather so windows can be left open during and after installation.

Operate the ventilation system at maximum outdoor air during and after installation for a period of between 48 and 72 hours.

You should also consider leaving the premises during and immediately after installation.

It is also a good idea to schedule the installation at a time of day when most family members are away from the home.

As for old carpet, EPA advises keeping it as clean and dry as possible. You should also use nontoxic cleaners and follow manufacturer directions carefully. Allow the carpets to dry fully after wetting.

Spills should be cleaned promptly and thoroughly.

For more information about carpet’s contribution to indoor air pollution or about indoor air pollution in general, contact your local Cooperative Extension agent.

Other helpful sources include: Healthy Indoor Air for America’s Homes Web page and EPA’s Indoor Air Quality page.