January 19, 2004—In response to reports in the media associating carpet with the chemical Perfluorooctanic Acid (PFOA)—also known as C-8, a processing aid used in manufacturing—the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) recently issued a statement that the organization stands by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its assessment not to recommend to consumers to avoid the use of products that may contain PFOA.
CRI and its member companies say that they continue to share the goals of the EPA to safeguard the environment and human health. The EPA has not made a determination as to whether PFOA poses any threat to individuals or the environment. CRI is confident that the continued research will be thorough and based solely on the most credible scientific data.
According to CRI, the carpet industry is a very competitive industry, yet it is focused clearly on the shared goal of a sustainable world. CRI members adhere to an Industry Sustainability Code of Conduct that makes health, safety, and environmental performance a corporate responsibility.
For more information, visit the EPA Web page on Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Fluorinated Telomers.
