Tracked in dust also builds up in carpets. Studies suggest up to two thirds of dust in buildings is tracked in on occupants feet. Oil and salt laden dust from parking lots Pesticides from roadsides and school grounds Lead from old paint dust in the soil around the building Solvents from cleaning agents used in other areas of the school. Carpet removal is the best long term solution Carpet cleaning efficiency is highly variable and seldom removes deep dust. In addition, carpet-cleaning products can contain irritants and heavy perfume agents that can cause reactions in sensitive individuals.
Carpets continue to accumulate and release contaminants throughout their life.
Replacement of fitted carpets with low surface area flooring, such as linoleum, is already being done by a number of Vermont schools and should be considered in long-term maintenance and replacement plans for all carpeted areas. Hard waxable floors are a better long-term investment for the school community, in terms of durability, cleaning efficiencies, and health implications. Chlorine-free polymer floors are coming onto the market, allowing an alternative to vinyl linoleum. Paints Freshly painted surfaces can release large volumes of VOCs for weeks after application. Fortunately, interior paints with low VOCs or no VOCs are now offered by major paint suppliers.