Chemicals used to manufacture and install carpets emit VOCs. To lower emissions, buy Low-VOC carpets or install alternative flooring. Because of their many loose fibers, carpets trap allergens and pollutants. When carpets are vacuumed, cleaned, or walked on, trapped particles become airborne. To reduce indoor air pollution, use vacuums with HEPA filters and natural carpet shampoos, or hire green carpet cleaning services. The American Lung Association advises installing hard flooring with rugs that can be removed and cleaned outside. Green flooring options, e.g. natural linoleum, can be cleaned naturally. For the American Lung Association’s Healthy Air web page, click here. Home improvement experts also provide valuable information on green flooring options. For Bob Vila’s Green Flooring web page, click here. Visit Safety Alerts for information on additional indoor sources of VOCs.