An environmental scientist personally avoids installing carpet in his home. Now he’s explaining to users why the carpet in their homes could be toxic.
Instagram user Warren Phillips (@nontoxicdad) uses his page to analyze everyday products through the lens of toxicity. He reviews everything from cutting boards to dental floss, shampoo, and cookware—all in search of hidden health hazards.
In a video with 708,000 views, Warren dives into a threat that’s been right under our feet: Carpeting.
Why an environmental scientist avoids carpet
He opened his pitch, speaking straight to the camera, “Three reasons I would never install carpet in my home as an environmental scientist.”
First, he called out to the materials. “Most carpets are made of toxic plastic materials like nylon, polyester, and polypropylene,” he said. “They off-gas these chemicals for years, releasing toxic, volatile organic compounds like benzene and formaldehyde into your home.”
Next, he analyzed the coatings. “Carpets like this are often treated with chemicals—flame-retardant, antimicrobial, and stain-resistant,” he explained. “You, your children, and even your pet are walking on this carpet and absorbing Teflon-like forever chemicals and pesticides that are known carcinogens.”
And finally, the dirt. “Carpets are the number one sponge—sucking up and holding on to bacteria, mold, and other allergens,” he warns. “This can be triggering your kids’ allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.”
He closed with a recommendation: “You need to get away from this toxic carpet and switch to natural fibers like wool, sisal, or jute. But the best options are always going to be 100% hardwood, cork, or tile—using a natural throw rug where needed.”
Viewers react to the PSA
His expert take had the comments section mainly in agreement—with a few naysayers sprinkled in.
One user wrote, “This is why I prefer real hardwood always! My rug the kids play on the most is either cotton or wool.”
Another added, “Totally agree! Toxic carpets are a big no. Natural options are way better!”
A third chipped in, “Thanks for telling it like it is.”
Many had some push back. One person jabbed, “Just like your shirt, bro.”
Another pointed out some hypocrisy: “You can say that about everything—your house, clothes, shoes, even your hair products.”
One took a more measured approach: “I get wanting to be healthy. But going to the extent of no carpet at all? That feels extreme. We can’t avoid everything.”
Who’s in the right here?
So before you panic and enter a full-blown “everything is killing me” rabbit hole, let’s break down Warren’s points—point by point because some of what he’s saying holds up. And some of it needs context.
First, the off-gassing. Yes, synthetic carpets can release VOCs like formaldehyde and benzene immediately after installation. According to the U.S. EPA, indoor VOC levels can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels. Both formaldehyde and benzene are classified as carcinogens. So Warren’s not wrong.
However, he leaves out a key fact. And that is the off-gassing doesn’t last forever. The Carpet Institute of Australia reported that around 90% of VOCs emitted from new carpets dissipate within two days of installation, with emissions dropping below most indoor air quality criteria shortly thereafter.
So, your exposure is relatively low unless you’re rolling around on a brand-new rug every night.
Next up: The chemical treatments. This one is true. Many carpets are coated in flame retardants, antimicrobials, and PFAS—the dreaded “forever chemicals.” These compounds have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and immune system issues. It has become such a hot-button issue that the EPA proposed new drinking water limits for PFAS, and the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and EWG (Environmental Working Group) have both flagged them as serious health concerns.
Even so, PFAS aren’t unique to carpets. They’re in your clothes, couch, Teflon pans—basically everywhere. Avoiding them is wise as a general rule, but don’t fool yourself into thinking your wool rug gives you a PFAS-free existence.
Finally, allergens. Carpet is indeed a trap for dust mites, dander, and mold spores. According to the American Lung Association, those particles can become airborne during vacuuming or regular foot traffic. This action can trigger respiratory issues in certain people.
So, is your carpet killing you? Not exactly
Still, not all the research points to doom. A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that some carpets weren’t automatically linked to worse asthma symptoms. The real variable was cleaning.
Recommendations were vacuuming with a HEPA filter, using a HEPA filter in your home to purify the air, and professional carpet cleaning every 12-18 months. So, maybe don’t rip up your entire living room—just clean the damn rug.
Also, Warren’s recommendation to opt for wool or jute over synthetic carpet is solid. Going all-in on hardwood, cork, or tile with a few natural throw rugs is also a good solution. But is that realistic for most people? Not really.
If you’re replacing your floors and have the budget, look for low-VOC certifications like Green Label Plus. Avoid products treated with PFAS if possible. But don’t drive yourself up the wall.
So, no—your carpet is probably not killing you. Could it be contributing to poor indoor air quality? To a degree. Is that a reason to go full minimalist cork flooring for the rest of your life? It’s still a free country. Do what you want.
Internet culture is chaotic—but we’ll break it down for you in one daily email. Sign up for the Daily Dot’s web_crawlr newsletter. You’ll get the best (and worst) of the internet straight into your inbox.
