Document NEOkV4w35223vQEM7QXQ7q53w

June 7, 1992 Contact Dallas Meneely 314-694-3862 USE AS TALKING POINTS ONLY -- MOT FOR DI8SEMIKATION OUTSIDE MONSANTO IK PRINTED PORMAT TALKING POINTS FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT CARPET AND INDOOR AIR QUALITY - A considerable amount of research has been done since the earliest allegations of adverse helath effects from new carpet. The data show carpet contributes relatively little to the total level of substances in the indoor air environment. - Within days to a few weeks, the typical carpet's contribution declines to near undetectable levels. These exposure levels would not be anticipated to cause adverse health effects. - The EPA states that there is simply no scientific basis for concluding that 4-PC, the compound that produces the characteristic new carpet odor, or other carpet constituents have any impact on human health. - With respect to tests conducted by Anderson Laboratories in Dedham, Mass., the EPA was unable to reproduce the same findings (the death of test mice) when it used the same test methods and carpeting Anderson used. Industry testing using the same type of test equipment and methods was done by Monsanto, DuPont and Dow. Those tests also did not show mortality in test mice. There is speculation in the scientific community that the Anderson testing procedure is flawed and that it is not a reliable way of determining carpet toxicity. - Likewise the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has said that there was not sufficient evidence from its investigation that specific chemicals emitted from carpet are responsible for the complaints of adverse health effects associated with new carpet installations. - The carpet industry manufactures 1.3 billion square yards of carpet each year. The number of complaints is extremely small compared to the total number of people installing carpet. - Individuals who are interviewed on the media who are complaining of adverse health effects are generally also people who have filed lawsuits against the carpet industry for millions of dollars and they represent a very small portion of carpet buyers. 003*88 - The carpet industry is very concerned about these allegations and supports good scientific research to find out what is causing these symptoms. So far, none of the scientific research has unequivocally linked carpet with adverse health effects. All the negative publicity is based on speculation and there are many other possible explanations for symptoms reported. - Consumers should be aware that it is unfair for unsubstantiated speculation to override the common sense awareness that carpet has a long history of safe and problem-free use. - If consumers would like additional information they can call the Carpet & Rug Institute at 800-882-8846. 003^89