Residents of Puerto Rico Learn the Pros & Cons of Carpeting and How it Can Impact IEQ

Whether building a new home or commercial building, remodeling or repairing a property due to water damage or another event, choosing the type of flooring to be installed is an important decision.
 
Common flooring choices in Puerto Rico include tile, stone, wood, vinyl and carpeting.  In many circumstances, one of the choices for at least a portion of the home or commercial building is carpeting.  It is often selected due to its cost, warmth and large selection of colors, patterns and fibers.   Carpeting has additional advantages as well, such as its insulating and noise dampening properties and speed that it can be installed.
 
While carpeting can be a good fit for many situations, it also has a downside.  New carpet systems, like many new interior finishing materials, will often off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for a period of time after being installed. These emissions can be significantly reduced, although not completely eliminated, in the initial days after installation through the use of proper ventilation techniques.
 
“Carpeting can act as a reservoir for dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, mold, dust mites, pesticides and other substances and allergens which may originate indoors or be brought indoors from the outside,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “Carpets can even act as a sink for the adsorption of VOCs from other sources that are then re-emitted later. Moisture can also be trapped below or in carpeting which can result in mold growth and the release of mold spores. While any of these chemical or microbial substances could have an impact on building occupants, young children who play on carpets are often most vulnerable.”
 
Throughout Puerto Rico, Zimmetry Environmental offers indoor environmental quality testing and consulting services for those concerned about chemical issues, mold, allergens and other exposure concerns. Zimmetry also recently sponsored an educational video that discusses the pros and cons of carpeting and how it can impact the indoor environment that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/vZ8bHl-5NzQ
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their indoor air quality, allergen, environmental or compliance testing and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals, and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs, and general environmental consulting services.
 

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail