You might say the solution for soil and stain resistance in carpets may have caused more harm than good. At least, that’s according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agency is currently taking steps to clean up the use of harmful chemicals in carpets purchased by consumers.
The EPA could soon restrict imports of carpets that are manufactured with long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic chemicals (LCPFAC) due to studies that have shown that the chemicals accumulate in humans, animals and the environment, and may cause damage – to homeowners, installers and the factory workers who manufacture the carpets.
The chemicals are already largely out of use in domestic products made in the USA, but may still be found in imported carpets. The EPA is planning to require anyone who intends to manufacture, import or process any LCPFAC chemicals in carpets submit a notification to the agency.
These proposed restrictions, however, would force manufacturers to report various chemical usage. That way both the government and the consumer is aware as to exactly what’s in their carpets. With these reports, EPA staff could then follow up and see how much damage, if any, is being done through the carpet manufacturing.
To learn more about the issue, visit the EPA website here!