A la recherche des toxiques

The report reveals that many carpets from leading European manufacturers contain hazardous substances, including phthalates, halogenated flame retardants, and PFAS, which pose health risks and obstruct circular economy goals. Testing of 15 samples showed that while some products are non-toxic, others contain substances like DEHP and TDCPP, even when using recycled materials. The document argues that current EU regulations and voluntary certifications are insufficient, calling for a shift toward family-based chemical regulation and extended producer responsibility to ensure safe recycling.

• Testing of carpets from seven major European manufacturers revealed the presence of toxic substances, including phthalates, halogenated flame retardants, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), as well as traces of antimicrobials, isocyanates, nonylphenol, and bisphenol A (BPA).
• The report identifies a regulatory gap where hazardous chemicals banned in children's toys are still permitted in carpets, despite the fact that infants spend significant time in direct contact with floors.
• Specific toxic substances were detected in various brands: Forbo Westbond contained the reprotoxic and endocrine disruptor DEHP; Milliken products contained the possible carcinogen TDCPP and various PFAS; and Associated Weavers products showed traces of antimicrobials MIT and CMIT.
• The report demonstrates that non-toxicity and circularity are compatible, as three samples (including Desso AirMaster and Interface Composure) showed no detectable toxic substances despite containing recycled materials.
• The use of recycled PVC in carpet backings allows for the continued use of banned substances like DEHP through specific exemptions, which the report argues is illogical from a health perspective.

APA

Leonards, P., Brandsma, S., van der Veen, I., Gearhart, J., & Peaslee, G. (2018). A la recherche des toxiques. Changing Markets Foundation. https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SMALL-changing-markets-layout-FR.pdf

Chicago

Leonards, Pim, Sicco Brandsma, Ike van der Veen, Jeff Gearhart, and Graham Peaslee. A la recherche des toxiques. Changing Markets Foundation, 2018. https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SMALL-changing-markets-layout-FR.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Leonards |first1=Pim |last2=Brandsma |first2=Sicco |last3=van der Veen |first3=Ike |last4=Gearhart |first4=Jeff |last5=Peaslee |first5=Graham |title=A la recherche des toxiques |publisher=Changing Markets Foundation |date=October 2018 |url=https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SMALL-changing-markets-layout-FR.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{leonards2018recherche, author = {Leonards, Pim and Brandsma, Sicco and van der Veen, Ike and Gearhart, Jeff and Peaslee, Graham}, title = {{A la recherche des toxiques}}, institution = {Changing Markets Foundation}, year = {2018}, month = oct, url = {https://changingmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SMALL-changing-markets-layout-FR.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }