The vocs responsible for new carpet smell are 4 phenylcyclohexene 4 pch and to a lesser extent styrene.
Fumes new carpet.
Almost any brand new carpet does give off some voc s fumes that leave a musty scent especially the ones made from synthetic fibres.
The thing with vocs is they aren t unique to carpet.
A freshly installed carpet may bring with it a strong odor due to numerous chemicals used in the manufacturing process.
Some carpet backing materials adhesives and pads contain volatile chemicals that off gas or turn into fumes when exposed to air.
Within a few days to a few weeks these fumes dissipate and the carpet no longer smells.
As a new carpet gradually releases or off gasses chemical residue the chemicals enter the air where we can smell them.
Pretty much anything that has a smell is releasing vocs.
There are many different types of vocs but the one related to new carpet odor is 4 phenylcyclohexene 4 pch a by product of the synthetic latex binders used to hold the carpet backing together.
Some people are very sensitive to voc s and may have respiratory problems in response to new carpeting.
The new carpet smell is fumes off gassed released from the carpet.
New woollen carpets will also come with a weak wool smell which can get stronger if the material is wet or damp.
If your health is affected by the smell of new carpeting go for a voc free carpet.