|
For the contract carpet industry, one of the hottest issues to appear in recent years is indoor air quality and sick building syndrome. The problem first took root during the energy crisis of the 1970's, when many existing facilities and most new commercial construction were redesigned to be airtight, eliminating outside air and allowing indoor pollution to build. When new carpet was installed in these facilities, some workers complained of headaches triggered by the odor, among other ills. Carpet got the blame. And headlines began to fly.
|
The economics of sick building syndrome also are having an impact:
- Equipment / material damage can occur as air condition systems, and even common office equipment like computers, struggle to use and reuse poor air.
- Health costs are continuing to rise.
- Some workers report a loss of productivity.
- Litigation is a growing threat
Today, the issue continues to be actively examined. Additional energy conservation measures and an increase in the use of synthetic materials indoors have made air quality a genuine concern for consumers and carpet makers alike - especially since research now reveals that most people spend more than 90% of their time indoors.
|
