What do carpets and adhesives contribute to indoor air quality?

Carpets and adhesives can significantly contribute to indoor air quality primarily through the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are organic chemicals that can evaporate at room temperature and are often released from various building materials, including carpets and the adhesives used to install them.

When carpets and adhesives are new, they can release relatively high levels of VOCs, which may lead to various health issues such as respiratory irritation, headaches, and other symptoms associated with poor indoor air quality. Over time, the levels of VOCs typically decrease as the materials age and the compounds evaporate. It's important to choose low-VOC or VOC-free options when selecting carpets and adhesives to improve indoor air quality and mitigate these potential health risks.

The other options, while related to indoor air quality, do not accurately encapsulate the primary concern with carpets and adhesives. For example, they do not primarily serve as a means of odor control, nor are they effective in dust removal or mold prevention. Instead, the focus lies on their potential to emit harmful VOCs that can compromise air quality.