CONSUMER TIPS > EPA Agency

United States Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Criteria and Assessment Office (MD-52) Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711

Dr. Michael Berry of the EPA has this to say about carpet and upholstery cleaning…

“I have reached the conclusion that carpeting and fabrics not cleaned property maintained have the potential to cause a variety of health problems inside the building environment.”

“From a public health perspective I would find it impossible to justify the installation of carpets indoors without the existence of effective cleaning methods using environmentally sound cleaning technology property trained in the application of those methods and technology.”

“Every time carpet and fabrics are emptied of their pollution build-up through professional cleaning methods there is a health benefit.”

“We are also finding that typical vacuuming does not reduce fine particle levels indoors.  Fine particles of less than 7 microns pass through vacuum cleaning bags. These particles tend to build up over time and have the greatest potential to cause harm as they penetrate deep into the human lung.”

“Until such time as the fibers are cleaned the potential for human health risk remains high.”

“..the benefit of extracting is the overall reduction of respirable  particles which cause most of the health effects, reduced cases of biological induced illnesses, reduced lifetime cancer risks, and reduced complaints and liability for building owners and managers.”

Sincerely yours,

Michael A. Berry. PhD
Deputy Director Environmental
Criteria & Assessment Office