MANHATTAN — This afternoon, Mayor Bloomberg signed the Indoor Air Quality Bill sponsored by Councilman Recchia. The Indoor Air Quality Bill ensures that carpet retailers in New York City can only sell carpets that possess only a very low, nontoxic level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Now, carpet retailers in New York City must sell carpets that either have the Green Label Plus or another proof of a VOC compliancy standard achieved through independent testing.
“I am glad Mayor Bloomberg is signing the indoor air quality bill into law,” said NYC Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn. “This legislation will prohibit the sale and installation of carpets in commercial buildings and residences that emit harmful Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs. VOCs that are found in some carpets and carpet cushioning can cause severe health hazards and this bill will help ensure the health and safety of New Yorkers.”
VOCS are very common and used in a number of different products and materials like paint, carpets, adhesives, plastics. There are literally hundreds if not thousands of VOCs but not all of them affect humans in a negative way. Since the nineties, it was recognized that VOCs contribute to various ailments and can have serious effects on workers that install the carpeting and residents.
“Volatile Organic Compounds have been found to be extraordinarily harmful to one’s health. It is simply common sense that we pass legislation to regulate and reduce the amount of these chemicals found in carpets. As the main sponsor of this bill, I believe we must take all necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of our residents and do our best to always improve the quality of life throughout our City,” the Councilman said.
