When it comes to choosing a rug, one of the most important things to think about is whether or not it's safe.
Polypropylene is a popular material used in synthetic rugs, but there are some concerns about its safety.
If you’re in the market for a new rug right now, a question you should be asking is: are polypropylene rugs safe?
The quick answer is yes - in theory. But there are a number of caveats and potential issues you need to be aware of.
Read on as I discuss the pros and cons of polypropylene rugs and try to help you decide if this type of rug is right for you.
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Polypropylene is a type of plastic. It’s often used in food packaging and other products that come into contact with food.
It makes stain-resistant and durable rugs, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas.
It has the plastic recycling code of 5 and PP.
Whilst PP can be recycled, in practice, it rarely happens.
A polypropylene rug is made by weaving together strands of polypropylene yarn. This can be done by hand or machine.
As with mattresses and many other products in our homes, polypropylene rugs are often coated with a cocktail of chemicals to make them easier to clean, waterproof, flame retardant, etc.
The only way to avoid harmful chemicals in your home for certain is to buy a purely organic product. It's particularly important in the bedroom, where we spend a large proportion of our time.
These chemicals off-gas from a new rug into your home and can cause side effects such as:
Polypropylene is a type of plastic. And like all plastics, it’s made from petroleum.
Extracting petroleum and refining it into plastic releases greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
Plastics are also one of the most significant pollutants in our oceans.
If you want true peace of mind that your new rug is non-toxic, you should choose one with well-known and respected eco-certifications.
Some of the best ones to look out for include:
If you want to find rugs that are tested and certified to be safe in your home, you'll find that many of the leading sustainable rug brands carry these certifications.
So, to summarize, there are both pros and cons to using a polypropylene rug, including:
Compare these to the pros and cons of eco-friendly rugs, and it becomes apparent that polypropylene rugs may not be a cost-effective, eco-friendly, or healthy choice for your home.
Polypropylene rugs are often compared to wool rugs because they are both soft and durable.
However, polypropylene rugs are not as dense as wool rugs, and they have a more synthetic feel.
Polypropylene is also a less expensive material than wool, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
Polypropylene synthetic rugs are safe for vinyl floors.
However, you should still use a rug pad under your polypropylene rug to stop it from slipping and also protect your floor from scratches.
Yes, you can use polypropylene synthetic rugs outdoors. However, the synthetic fibers will fade and deteriorate in direct sunlight and may mildew if they stay wet for a long time.
For these reasons, using polypropylene synthetic rugs in covered outdoor areas such as porches and patios is best.
According to King Plastic, the potential health effects of polypropylene include:
- Eyes: Contact of powder or fines with eyes may cause mechanical irritation. Contact with hot or molten material may cause severe injury, including possible blindness.
- Skin: Contact of powder or fines with skin may cause mild to more serious irritation that is increased by mechanical rubbing or if the skin is dry. Contact with hot or molten material may cause severe thermal bums.
- Ingestion: Ingestion of this product is unlikely. However, ingestion of the product may produce mild gastrointestinal irritation and disturbances.
- Inhalation: Inhalation of fine particles may cause respiratory irritation. Fumes produced while thermal processing may cause irritation, pulmonary edema, and a possible asthma-like response.
They excel in wet conditions but don’t last well in high-traffic areas.
So, what’s the verdict? Are rugs and carpets made from synthetic materials such as polypropylene safe?
Well, the short answer is yes. The longer answer is yes…but be careful!
Polypropylene is an artificial polymer that’s classified as a thermoplastic.
It’s made from a process called polymerization, which uses high temperatures to join small molecules together to form long chains.
This makes polypropylene synthetic fibers very strong and resistant to heat, chemicals, and stains.
The amount of chemicals, oil, and plastic used to produce polypropylene rugs is pretty scary. However, these chemicals are broadly considered to not be damaging to human health at the levels they’re found in rugs.
Especially if you ensure you fully off-gas them before bringing them into your home!
However, with so many non-toxic and eco-friendly rug options available, why take the chance with polypropylene?
After all, who wants to walk on a rug made of the same material as their Tupperware?
Do you have a synthetic rug at home, or have you already ditched the plastic fibers for something more sustainable and less toxic? Drop me a line and let me know.
