This study investigated findings that the off-gassing of certain carpets caused sensory and pulmonary irritation, changes in neurobehavioral signs, and death in exposed mice.

Two standard test method measures - one for estimating sensory irritancy (ASTM-E981-84), the other for evaluating the neurotoxic potential of chemicals (functional observational battery) - were coupled with a postmortem assessment to ascertain the mechanism of toxicity.

The postmortem evaluation included measurements of hemoglobin, serum clinical chemistries, blood and lung lavage white cell counts and differential, organ weights, and a gross necropsy with a microscopic evaluation of all major organs.

The study evaluated three treatment groups composed of two preheated carpet emission exposures and one preheated air-control exposure.

No toxic effects were associated with exposure to the off-gassing of the two tested carpets.

Clinical chemistry and histopathological alterations were observed with exposure to either filter-air or carpet when compared to nonexposed unrestrained control mice, indicating that the exposure procedure caused significant effects unrelated to carpet emissions.

A detailed chemical and microbial evaluation of the carpets and carpet emissions showed volatile organic compounds, pesticide residues, and microbiological flora, but at insufficient quantities to result in acute toxicity.