Is New carpet and furniture off-gassing safe during pregnancy?
New carpet and furniture release VOCs for a while. Ventilate well, especially in the first 72 hours.
What the sources say
EPA says new carpet systems (including adhesives and cushion) off-gas VOCs after installation, and proper ventilation can significantly reduce, though not eliminate, emissions in the first 72 hours. EPA lists building materials and furnishings as VOC sources and advises increasing ventilation and following label precautions. No pregnancy-specific studies were found in these sources, so the advice is general exposure reduction.
Also listed as
carpet off-gassing, formaldehyde from furniture, furniture off-gassing, new car smell, new carpet, new carpet smell, new furniture smell, new mattress smell, off-gassing, vocs, volatile organic compounds
Sources
- EPA: Does carpet cause indoor air quality problems in schools?
- EPA: Volatile Organic Compounds' Impact on Indoor Air Quality
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.