Is Polypropylene Rug Safe For Babies?
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Polypropylene carpets are quite popular. However, there is a concern regarding the level of safety they provide.
Especially, if you have babies, the first thing you would probably ask “is polypropylene rug safe for babies?”.
Well, to answer the question properly, we have to consider a few things. This article will help you resolve the safety concern of your baby before buying a polypropylene rug.
Is Polypropylene Rug Safe For Babies?
It is fair to say that polypropylene rugs aren’t usually (unless top-grade) safe for babies or family pets.
Though the flame-retardant polypropylene rugs may appear to be safe for use in child-occupied spaces, it is not actually.
Especially, low-grade polypropylene shouldn’t be around babies.
Polypropylene Is Making Rugs:
Polypropylene (PP) plastic has been in use for a long time.
Yet, its toxicity and the possibility that it could poison our water supplies and land have only come to light in the last few decades.
Polymerization of propylene, a monomer, yields propylene. We can see the wide use of polypropylene.
The disposable and reusable containers, fabrics, packing, and labels have polypropylene.
This chemical has a high level of durability. Thanks to the propylene derivatives that it contains.
This thermoplastic material, polypropylene, may have up to four times the length of its initial length added to it before it snaps.
Additionally, chemicals and moisture cannot harm it because of its insanely high resistance.
How Do They Make A Rug From Polypropylene?
To create a polypropylene rug, the strands of yarn is woven into a rug. You may accomplish this manually or using a machine.
Why A Polypropylene Rug May Hurt Babies?
To answer the question safely, let’s be very frank here. It has the potential to hurt babies, even pets because of the questionable components of polypropylene.
Polypropylene contains potentially harmful components.
It includes poisonous colors, synthetic rubber, glue containing formaldehyde, and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs).
In fact, the blatant use of pesticides, flame-resistant chemicals, and fungicides is another issue. It has raised a lot of questions concerning its household use.
Is Flame-Retardant Polypropylene Rug Really Safe?
We all have heard that flame-retardant polypropylene rugs promote the safety of children. Well, it is not totally wrong in a sense.
It is indeed a safety option for babies in some cases. Flame-retardant polypropylene rugs won’t catch fire, and won’t heat up easily.
Nothing usually melts it in a household space. So, babies may feel safe on these rugs.
However, the downsides are too obvious, which we have discussed above already.
You are clearly exposing your child to its chemical compounds such as the PBDEs and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Considering all these facets, it is not anybody’s guess. You don’t want your babies exposed this badly – trust me.
However, we aren’t done yet. We will consider a few more things to eventually arrive at a decision
Are High-Grade Polypropylene Rugs Safe?
If you have the highest quality polypropylene, it may be a safe option for babies. They are just plastics.
There should not be any risk of exposing the babies to those chemicals and all that a low-grade polypropylene rug has.
However, this option is just as costly as wool or any other alternative.
Yet, if you consider the flame-retardant polypropylene of the highest quality, you may give it a shot.
What Are The Health Risks Of Polypropylene Rugs?
- Researchers have found Phthalates in synthetic rubber. Medically, they can interfere with hormone production and function in the body. They’ve also been related to male and female reproductive problems.
- Toxic dyes cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in certain people. The AZO dyes lead to cancer in laboratory rats.
- Different adhesives release formaldehyde into the air.
- Polypropylene carpets also contain styrene. It is a chemical that we know to cause cancer in humans.
- These carpets contain perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). It can interfere with endocrine function and reduce immunity.
- Pesticides and fungicides are effective in eliminating harmful insects and fungi. However, they also pose a risk to human health.
- Flame retardants are brominated compounds. They open up another door for health and environmental hazards.
- They occasionally will off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These gases account for the distinctive “new carpet” aroma.
Inhaling the hazardous compounds found in polypropylene carpets can lead to health issues.
The complications include a sore throat, a cough, a runny nose, or a tummy ache.
Safe Carpets For Babies:
In short, we can say that carpets that are free from harmful substances are safe for babies. Here, you can have a few alternatives:
Wool:
This is obviously getting the first priority subject to a few considerations. Wool rugs are the best option if you want something gentler.
It’s also a great option for households with babies or pets that will play on it.
Wool is resilient, robust, hypoallergenic, and also flame resistant.
Cotton:
Cotton is a breathable material. You may be thinking about what difference it can make. Well, it will not cause your baby’s skin to get dry because it is breathable.
At this same time, by picking this option, you also successfully sideline the risk of skin rashes and other forms of skin irritation.
In addition to that, they are quite gentle and lighter.
Acrylic:
Acrylic carpets are really lovely and pleasing to the sight. This is something that offers a reliable bet. But this is not everything about it.
It has the potential to activate the learning capability and creativity of babies because of the attraction to the eye.
In addition to that, they are hypoallergenic and resistant to moths, and soft.
Jute:
Now we are talking about a natural fabric. It has never been subjected to any kind of chemical processing.
So, you don’t have to worry about your child’s health or the environment. It will hurt nothing whatsoever.
Polyester:
Polyester is so plush and cuddly. Your infant will feel much more at ease when you leave them on a polyester rug.
It is an excellent option for households with children who are prone to make a mess. Why? It has impressive resistance to stains and its long-lasting nature
Tips For Rug Safety:
There are a few things you can do to ensure the safety of babies on rugs.
Don’t Leave Any Potential Trip Hazards:
Make sure your carpeting is not a tripping hazard by inspecting it frequently.
You should inspect the edges to check whether they are folded up or frayed. If any of these are the case, deal with the rug either by fixing or replacing it.
Additionally, the backing requires careful inspection. It can also become a tripping hazard if it comes undone.
Rug Pads:
Use a rug pad below your rug on a hard floor to prevent the rug from sliding about.
Because of this, the rug won’t slide about as much. Furthermore, it will prevent scratches on your floor.
Watch Out For Actual Fires:
When determining where to lay your new rug, you should always keep real flames in mind. Even genuine flames can still cause harm to fire-resistant rugs.
It’s important to keep rugs away from open fires. The fibers can be damaged, and the dyes could run if exposed to high temperatures.
FAQs about whether polypropylene rugs are safe for babies:
Are Polypropylene Rugs Toxic?
As long as you have high-quality, costly ones, they are not toxic. In other cases, the risk is too high because of chemical compounds.
Can You Vacuum Polypropylene Rugs?
You sure can. In fact, doing so will increase the rug’s life.
Can Polypropylene Rugs Grow Mold?
Rugs made of polypropylene won’t go moldy if they get wet. So, this aspect is indeed good for babies.
Final Words:
There are several factors to think about while selecting a rug. But if the rug poses any safety risks, though, should be one of your first considerations.
There could be a debate about whether all polypropylene rugs are bad for babies. Yet, it is a question yet to be deiced by the experts.
However, low-grade polypropylene presents obvious health risks. You should use greater caution while shopping for a rug for a baby.
