Finding Healthy Carpets

Questions:

I'm in the market for a low-VOC carpet, but I'm having problems finding one in mid-price range. The cheaper carpets are very plain, and those I've seen with attractive designs, such as kilims, are high-priced. Is there a happy medium?

Molly Rauch
New Haven, CT

Where can I buy hemp carpet?

Gretchen Boise
Penn Yan, NY

Answer:

You're both on to some healthy carpet criteria. When carpets are treated with toxic chemicals or glued to backing or floors, they can release irritating, potentially harmful fumes into indoor air for weeks after they're installed. The healthiest carpets and carpet pads are those made from untreated 100 percent wool, cotton, camel's hair, sisal, hemp or seagrass, says Paul Novak of E.C.O. Ask the retailer or manufacturer what sort of chemical treatments, if any, have been applied. Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) to avoid are often found in mothproofing, water-stain protectors, synthetic backings and underlays and adhesives. Opt for unbacked dhurries or kilims, or carpets that are sewn or affixed with low-VOC glues to natural-fiber backings.

The following companies sell reasonably priced hemp and other natural-fiber carpets:

Eco Friendly Flooring: 866-250-3273; ecofriendlyflooring.com. Hemp, seagrass and sisal carpets, some backed with natural rubber. Rugs from $100; bulk pricing from $1.38/sq. ft.

Casa Natura: 877-650-1600; healthyhomeinteriors.com. Untreated wool carpets and pads, in wall-to-wall or area rugs. $35-57/sq. yd.

Eco Choices: 702-543-7003 (fax); ecochoices.com. Wool without dyes, pesticides or stain protectors; natural adhesives, hemp or cotton backing and jute secondary backing; $35-39/sq.yd.

Yayla Tribal Rugs: 617-576-3249; yayla.com. Wool rugs using natural dyes for traditional designs, made by refugees working with Cultural Survival Tibetan and Ersari Rug Projects; $5-$35/sq. ft.

Bonded Logic: 480-812-9114; bondedlogic.com. 100% recycled cotton carpet pad for 70-80 cents/sq. ft.