This is one of many products that can affect the indoor air quality in homes and businesses. A synthetic, petroleum-based polymer, it is commonly used as an adhesive for carpet backing (an estimated 90 percent of the carpeting made in the United States uses SB latex). It is responsible for the offgassing of several chemicals, including styrene and a related chemical known as 4 PC; they can be detected by that characteristic "new carpet smell" and make some people feel ill. Although the carpet industry claims that the presence of these chemicals does not cause harm, some manufacturers have made efforts to reduce their use. The Carpet and Rug Institute's Green Label and Green Label Plus program help identify those carpet products with the lowest levels of toxic offgassing.

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