Question: " I just ordered your book on Green Selling, and Best practices, and am a huge fan of yours.
I have been using a carpet protector which contains Phenolic Resin Condensates, Partially Fluorinated Urethane Polymers and Acrylic Copolymers. I'm looking for a safe carpet protector, and I've read the news on Teflon, which I think is one of the basic ingredients. Is there anything safe for protecting carpets? Are there safe ways of using and applying carpet protectors? What is their affect on the environment? I just read the chapter in 7th Generations "Naturally Clean" on carpet protectors and it didn't look good. Of course, the manufacturer says their product is entirely safe.
"
Steve’s Answer:
Unfortunately I do not have a simple answer for you. Without spending some serious time looking at the ingredients and the level at which they are used in the formula coupled with how it is used and the vulnerabilities of the building occupants --- it is hard to give you a specific answer.
Please know that I am NOT trying to avoid your question. I take this type of question very, very serious because of the suggestion that they are harming health. And without the data I feel that it would be irresponsible of me to comment. I hope you understand.
One of the things that you might do is go to www.scorecard.org and enter in the CAS# from the various ingredients. This may give you some indications of potential problems. But please keep in mind that there is much room for interpretation and debate on these issues --- so use the information carefully.
I hope I’ve helped.
Steve
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