Toxicological and chemical evaluation of emissions from carpet samples

This study investigated findings that the off-gassing of certain carpets caused sensory and pulmonary irritation, changes in neurobehavioral signs, and death in exposed mice. Two standard test method measures--one for estimating sensory irritancy (ASTM-E981-84), the other for evaluating the neurotoxic potential of chemicals (functional observational battery)--were coupled with a postmortem assessment to ascertain the mechanism of toxicity. The postmortem evaluation included measurements of hemoglobin, serum clinical chemistries, blood and lung lavage white cell counts and differential, organ weights, and a gross necropsy with a microscopic evaluation of all major organs. The study evaluated three treatment groups composed of two preheated carpet emission exposures and one preheated air-control exposure. No toxic effects were associated with exposure to the off-gassing of the two tested carpets. Clinical chemistry and histopathological alterations were observed with exposure to either filter-air or carpet when compared to nonexposed unrestrained control mice, indicating that the exposure procedure caused significant effects unrelated to carpet emissions. A detailed chemical and microbial evaluation of the carpets and carpet emissions showed volatile organic compounds, pesticide residues, and microbiological flora, but at insufficient quantities to result in acute toxicity. Based on this assessment, there was no indication that exposure to emissions from these two carpets poses a serious health risk.