Have you ever felt dizziness or nausea when coming in contact with your new Polypropylene rug? Well, you are not the first.
So, are Polypropylene rugs toxic to you? The answer is, it depends. If your rug contains VOC chemicals, your health can face some ill effects. However, when the treating chemicals are absent, you won’t feel a thing.
Polypropylene rugs are easy to mass-produce, cost less, and offer a low maintenance cost. But the problem is its new smell. Turns out, Polypropylene has no smell of its own. Instead, manufacturers add additional chemicals to make it look shiny and tough.
Today, we will check the toxicity of Polypropylene rugs and how to avoid them. So, let’s begin.
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Polypropylene rugs: Why is it used?
Polypropylene or Olefin rugs have a synthetic fiber structure of propylene. Having internal polymer bonds, these rugs are extremely tough and damage tolerant. Also, Polypropylene rug looks better than a regular nylon-based rug.
However, Polypropylene has a non-resilient fiber structure, which hardly bounces back. Turns out, these rugs are sensitive to heat and friction.
So why do people use them?
Everything starts from the pricing. These rugs have a low manufacturing cost, making them a low-priced wool alternative. Then again, they are moisture-resistant, and the outdoor sun will hardly damage them.
You can use them in any conditions you like, starting from the cold winters to the scorching summer heat.
If you want a lightweight and tough rug for outdoor use, polypropylene rugs are what you need. You don’t have to go through a hassle just to clean it. Wash it, and you are good to go.
Benefits of using Polypropylene
When you consider the price and ease of production, polypropylene rugs ain’t so bad. Now, let us see the benefits of using it.
Stain Resistant
Stains can happen anytime, making you clean a rug almost regularly. However, Polypropylene rugs offer a hydrophobic layer that blocks stains from sticking. So, no matter how many times your juice falls on the rug, wash it, and stains will disappear. However, try to keep oil as far as possible. Because these rugs like to absorb oil and removing oil stains isn’t easy.
Retains the color
When it comes to the color section, Polypropylene hardly loses its glow. People often use it outside, and yet almost nothing happens. An internal polymer structure provides the rug with strong color stability. This is why, even after years of usage, a polypropylene rug looks almost new.
Durable
In a family of young kids, woolen rugs just aren’t rigid enough. Kids play with tons of toys, which can damage the rug. Additionally, pets like cats and dogs tend to scratch the exterior part of the rug and damage it.
On the other hand, a Polypropylene rug has a strong linking bond, which improves its durability. This is why offices and kid schools use these rugs more often.
Moisture-proof
Having a moisture-proof feature, a polypropylene rug can prevent all sorts of molds and mildew. This feature results in a low maintenance cost and fewer repairs. Your rug won’t feel the age it went through. Sometimes, these rugs can last for decades without a single repair.
Lightweight
If sometimes it is lightweight, you can carry them with ease. Turns out, polypropylene rugs weigh less than traditional woolen rugs, and it can even float. As in most places, you have to pay according to the weight, and these rugs will cost you way less.
Inexpensive
Something is expensive if there is a shortage of raw materials and a higher manufacturer cost. A polypropylene rug contains synthetic fibers, making it cheaper and more effective. Then again, machine weaving decreases the production cost by half. All this combines to make polypropylene rugs inexpensive in the end.
Low static shock
Static shock can be a problem when it comes to office furniture, carpets, and so on. When there is too much activity, these materials can get hot pretty fast. Interiors of automobiles also face this problem. This is why polypropylene rugs come with a low static shock buildup, making them perfect for carpets, interiors of cars, etc.
Is it harmful to us? Yes or No!
As we said earlier, it depends on the chemical components. For starters, Polypropylene is a synthetic product. In the long run, all synthetic products are harmful. Even your phone isn’t good for you. However, Polypropylene is safe for human usage.
But the thing is, sometimes manufacturers use specific colors, which is terrible for humans. Remember the smell of new rugs? Turns out, polypropylene rugs have no smell. These colors and the treating agents contribute to the smell, making it toxic as well.
Don’t worry, as they aren’t going to kill you.
People with allergic problems may face headaches, dizziness, and even nausea. So, if you are one of them, try to avoid polypropylene rugs.
How to protect yourself from polypropylene rug toxicity?
Generally speaking, polypropylene rugs aren’t that harmful. However, if you feel sick in contact with a polypropylene rug, try out these simple hacks.
- Wash the rug 2-3 times after buying.
- Use fresh room fresheners.
- Clean your rug every week for the first month.
- Avoid direct contact with the rug.
- Use a mask and gloves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are polypropylene rugs safe?
Polypropylene rugs are entirely safe for regular usage. However, new rugs tend to release harmful VOC gases, which can cause headaches and dizziness. Wash the new rug for new 3-4 times before usage.
Do polypropylene rugs off-gas?
Unfortunately, Polypropylene rugs give off VOC gases. Sometimes, these gases make the rug smell funny and cause headaches. However, very few people will ever face this problem. You don’t need to worry if you don’t feel anything.
Which rugs are non-toxic?
Generally speaking, woolen and jute rugs are no toxic. In fact, all organic rugs are non-toxic and are eco-friendly. However, they cost more money, and so not everyone can afford them.
Why is Polypropylene bad?
Some of you may feel a slight headache or dizziness near polypropylene materials. The reason is the smell of chemicals and treating agents. This is why new polypropylene materials smell weird. To avoid this problem, use room fresheners and wash the thing 3-4 times while it’s new.
End note
So, do you feel dizziness or a headache while using a polypropylene rug? If not, then your perfectly safe.
Polypropylene does have some drawbacks like it is inflammable, gets warm quickly, and so on. But when it comes to literal toxicity, you don’t have to worry.
You can follow the protection steps above when you feel a headache. Bye, and have a good day.
Are ALL pilypropoyene rugs treated with VOC? Isf not, is it possible to find out if a potential polypropylene rug purchase has been treated?
Thanks!
Sandie G.
Thanks Sandie Grauds,
All polypropylene rugs are treated with VOC. You need to choose a rug that contain low VOC. And also you need to use a hvac system.