Today, there are literally thousands of carpeting options available for homeowners of every taste and pocketbook. However, not all carpet materials are 100 percent good for us; some may actually pose health concerns based on their chemical makeup and how they were treated and installed.

Synthetic carpet is made of polyester, nylon, and olefin fibers, latex (synthetic rubber), and a polypropylene (olefin) fabric backing. The adhesives, stain protectors, flame retardants, and mothproofing may contain acetone, styrene, benzene, ethyl benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and arsenic. According to Consumer Reports, "All newly installed carpets emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—air pollutants associated with carpet manufacture—for a few days after installation." Though emissions are generally at a very low level, not everyone agrees on what's safe.

If you are in the market for carpeting, the best choice, and one that will surely improve your indoor air quality, is to buy natural materials.

Many experts consider wool to be the top choice for carpeting. Wool is a high-bulk fiber that dyes beautifully and produces a soft carpet underfoot; it is static-free and stain-resistant. Long-lasting and easy to clean, wool comes from the shearing of "sustainable" animals (i.e., sheep). Eco-friendly, it possesses a natural flame retardant. Its durable fibers ensure that carpeting will age gracefully, even in high-traffic areas.

Natural carpets made from plant fiber are also becoming extremely popular among homeowners who wish to eliminate potentially harmful VOCs and other elements. Cotton, rayon, sisal, jute, sea grass, coconut (coir), pineapple, ramie, and hemp fall into this category. There's also silk carpet; its fiber is derived from the cocoons of certain moths. It is extremely strong and takes color well.

Bags of dyes, made from natural vegetal matter.

Silken Wool, in Warwick, N.Y. (845-988-1888; www.silkenwool.com), carries Persian rugs made from wool, silk, and cotton. Owner Susan Chakamian says that, on a scale of 1 to 10, her Iranian rugs rate high on the environmentally friendly side. Newer rugs are made with organic plant and insect dyes.

Richard Rothstein of Rothstein & Company in New York City (877-795-5112; www.rothsteinonline.com) sells rugs from the Caucasus. Handwoven and handknotted wool rugs (no machinery or modern technology involved), they contain only vegetal dyes, made from plants and flowers. 

For natural, untreated wool carpeting, visit Eco of New York (718-292-0626), which carries the nontoxic, nondyed Nature's Carpet–Colin Campbell & Sons line made from biodegradable, recyclable, and renewable resources such as wool, natural latex, and jute. Also in New York City, Patterson, Flynn & Martin (212-688-7700) carries Larsen Carpet/Ruckstuhl USA products made from untreated linen, flax, jute, hemp, coir, and sisal. And the Rug Loft (212-879-2663; www.therugloft.com) sells large custom-made and antique dhurries, a flatwoven rug made of cotton.

Websites that offer natural options include the Sustainable Village (www.thesustainablevillage.com), Green Sage (www.greensage.com), and Earth Weave Carpet Mills (www.earthweave.com). Animal-conscious shoppers can visit L.L. Bean, Pier One Imports, or Crate and Barrel for cruelty-free rugs made only from plant matter.

If you do choose synthetic, look for carpets and padding that carry a "green label" from the Carpet and Rug Institute (www.carpet-rug.com). Further minimize problems with VOCs by asking your installer to air your new carpet for a day or so before installation, then keep windows open and a fan going for two or three days. Ask the installer to seal the carpet seams with "green label" adhesives, or staples.

Happy, healthy, and harmonious shopping...and don't forget to ask questions.