Debunking Common Myths About Rugs and Carpets

We’re living in an age of free and readily available information, which can spread within hours or even minutes of release. Unfortunately, a lot of information may not necessarily be accurate, and you may end up reading articles that are outright false. Despite the benefits of social media, it may provide false information to the public.

From common conspiracy theories to leaked fallacies, wrong information can be a problem to any industry, and this includes carpets and rugs.

The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) believes in the importance of educating the public about carpets and rugs and discrediting whatever fake beliefs people have about rugs and carpets. Below is a list of the most common misconceptions about rugs and carpets.

• Some people believe that many health risks are associated with rugs. This may not be true in a general scale. Rug manufacturers thoroughly analyze their products through severe toxicology tests. Although scientists and researchers have concluded that although some chemicals are present in rugs, none can cause health risks.
• Rugs are not conducive breeding grounds for molds and mildew by default. Bacteria can grow in any place that is not maintained properly. Since molds and mildew thrive in areas that have excess moisture and dirt, they can grow out in unclean environments, including filthy rugs and carpets.
• Rugs by themselves do not increase the risk of asthma and allergy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has conducted individual studies that disprove this myth. According to their study, rugs trap allergens, which become immobilized and unable to circulate back into the air. CRI is unaware of any proven scientific research that connects rug use to asthma and other allergies.
• Rugs do not cause indoor quality problems, and present no dangerous health risks that the public should be wary of. Allergens caught in carpets and rugs can be removed through the use of a vacuum cleaner. However, it’s possible to stir up the allergens when using a vacuum cleaner. EPA recommends that people with allergies use a vacuum with a special air filter.
• Rugs do not have formaldehyde. This widely held myth was debunked several studies after the first mention of the issue. Since 1978, formaldehyde has never been used anywhere near the rug and carpet business. A few makers did use formaldehyde before 1978, but even if a rug from that time is being used today, the harmful chemical would have already vanished completely.

We hope that debunking these popular myths and learning about the truth should put you at ease and allow you to purchase any rug of your choice.