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New carpeting can also have an adverse effect on indoor air. The solvents and glues used to install carpets and their underlayment, or padding, can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that enter the air. This is known as “outgassing.” When purchasing carpet, ask for information about the product’s emissions and look for the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Plus (www.carpet-rug.org). If possible, roll out and air the carpet in a well-ventilated area before installation. Ask for low-emitting adhesives and natural backings, and keep air flowing in the room before and after installation. You may even consider having the carpet installed when you are not home or are outdoors. Carpets and rugs can also trap VOCs from other materials such as paint and release them slowly over time. A healthier option is to forego wall-to-wall carpeting and use area rugs made of 100-percent organic wool, cotton, or other natural fibers. When disposing of an old carpet, check online to find a recycling service in your area.

Encourage clean air inside your home by selecting fabrics, carpets, and furnishings that don’t outgas VOCs.

Countertops and wall surfaces made of ceramic tile, solid-surfacing material, or plastic laminate hold up well against moisture.

Formaldehyde is another nasty chemical that can compromise indoor air. It may be released from particleboard cabinets, furniture, and foam insulation that contains urea-formaldehyde. New regulations under the EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act went into effect in 2018, setting limits on formaldehyde use in wood composite products. Check with the manufacturer prior to purchasing and ask about their compliance with the TSCA Title IV. When using wood products indoors, select exterior-grade wood products made with phenol-formaldehyde resin, rather than urea-formaldehyde adhesives, for floors, cabinetry, and wall finishes. If possible, choose natural materials such as solid wood, bamboo, metal, or glass.