Why does the smell of new carpet make me feel sick and give a headache?

New carpets often have a strong chemical smell due to the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs are emitted by the adhesives, backing materials, and stain-resistant coatings used in the manufacturing process. Some of the common VOCs found in new carpets include:

- Formaldehyde: a colorless gas with a strong odor that can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat.

- Toluene: a colorless liquid with a sweet, pungent odor that can cause dizziness, headaches, and nausea.

- Ethylbenzene: a colorless liquid with a sweet, pungent odor that can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as headaches and dizziness.

- Xylene: a colorless liquid with a strong, sweet odor that can cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory problems.

Exposure to these VOCs can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

- Headaches

- Nausea

- Dizziness

- Eye, nose, and throat irritation

- Shortness of breath

- Fatigue

- Difficulty concentrating

- Skin rashes

For individuals with allergies or asthma, exposure to VOCs can trigger asthma attacks or worsen allergy symptoms.

To minimize the risk of experiencing health problems from new carpet VOCs, it is recommended to:

- Air out the room thoroughly before moving in or spending extended periods of time in it.

- Use fans to circulate the air and speed up the removal of VOCs.

- Avoid using scented candles or air fresheners, which can mask the smell of VOCs but not remove them.

- Consider purchasing a carpet that has been certified to have low VOC emissions.

- If symptoms persist, consult with a healthcare professional.