Cutting Toxic Emissions

If you are having a new rug or carpet installed, consider the following advice from the carpet industry, consumer officials and medical experts:

--Ask the carpet retailer to provide information about emissions.

--Ask the dealer or installer to leave the new carpet unrolled in a well-ventilated area for a day or two before delivering it.

--If you are removing an old carpet, vacuum it well to reduce the amount of dust emitted when it is taken up.

--If adhesives are necessary, request those that have been reformulated to have low chemical emissions.

--Leave during installation if you are sensitive to chemical odors.

--Keep windows open for several days. A fan will help remove airborne chemical emissions.

--If objectionable odors persist, contact your carpet dealer.

--If you believe you have suffered health problems as a result of exposure to a new carpet, contact a physician. You also can provide that information to the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission, which is studying the potential for health problems caused by carpets and related materials. Write to Carpet Complaints, Room 529, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C. 20207.

Distributed by the Los Angeles Times-Washington Post News Service .