Expert: John Michaels - 11/4/2009

Question
Hello,
I manage an apartment complex %26 I have been receiving complaints about the fumes coming from new carpet....even after one year after installation.
I have looked all over the net and cannot find any information about hazards.
It smells bad and I don't feel good about continuing to use this product.
    100% evertouch bcf nylon w/ polypropylene backing.
Are my concerns valid?
Thank you,
B

Answer
Hi Beverly;For the past several years all carpet being made in the U.S. and, I believe Canada, is free from VOC's, (volatile organic compounds), the things that cause odors.  The odor may be coming from the pad, which is a slim possibility, or the odor could becoming from the HVAC system in the complex, allowing the odor to penetrate through the vents.  I would suggest several things.  First, find out the name of the manufacturer of the carpet and get back to me so I can check several things.  When you respond, also, from your bill of sale, let me know the name of the carpet, the color, and how many sq. yds. were ordered.  I'll do my checking and get back to you.  Another thing you can do is complain to the dealer from where the carpet was purchased and demand an inspection.  The dealer should contact the place where he got the carpet, (distributor, manufacturer, etc.), and that place should implement an inspection.  If the inspection results are not to your liking, or, if you would like to contract to have your own certified inspection made by an outside, independent, certified floor covering inspector, visit the website of, <mbdinspectfloors.com>.  They have certified inspectors scattered throughout their trading area, which is every city and town in all 50 States and in all Provinces of Canada.  I would suggest that, with an odor complaint, that you act ASAP in the manner you desire.  Remember, the inspection should be made by a certified floor covering inspector that is independent.  You should not accept an inspection by a distributor or manufacturing representitive, not an installer, not the dealer, but by an independent certified floor covering inspector, so you can protect your investment.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Cordially,

John Michaels