Toxicological and chemical evaluation of emissions from carpet samples

This study investigated findings that the off-gassing of certain carpets caused sensory and pulmonary irritation, changes in neurobehavioral signs, and death in exposed mice. Two standard test method measures—one for estimating sensory irritancy (ASTM-E981-84), the other for evaluating the neurotoxic potential of chemicals (functional observational battery)—were coupled with a postmortem assessment to ascertain the mechanism of toxicity. The postmortem evaluation included measurements of hemoglobin, serum clinical chemistries, blood and lung lavage white cell counts and differential, organ weights, and a gross necropsy with a microscopic evaluation of all major organs. The study evaluated three treatment groups composed of two preheated carpet emission exposures and one preheated air-control exposure. No toxic effects were associated with exposure to the off-gassing of the two tested carpets. Clinical chemistry and histopathological alterations were observed with exposure to either filter-air or carpet wh...