Dangerous Chemicals Found in Carpet Padding

A new study has determined that certain carpet pads contain halogenated chemicals that cause cancer, lower the IQ of children exposed in utero, and can lead to infertility. These persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are, according to the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN), "the most dangerous chemicals in the world." IPEN conducted its research studying foam carpet pads used throughout the U.S., including Alaska, Washington State, Michigan and New York. The full release can be read here.