Allergy Friendly – Carpet

Christine Rankin — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:51:21 +0000

Studies have shown that carpet is better at trapping allergens than hard surface, such as tile or hardwood, because carpet fibers catch particles and allergens that fall to the floor. When allergens are trapped in the carpet, they cannot circulate in the air to breathe. Proper cleaning is performed with a vacuum that effectively sucks up dirt and dust from the carpet, locks it in the machine and keeps it out of the air.Sometimes, new carpet may also have a “new carpet smell.” Scientific studies show that new carpet is one of the lowest emitters of VOCs into the indoor environment. In fact, carpet emits less VOCs than other products such as paint. Further, these emissions clear very quickly. The low-level VOC emissions and the harmless odor from new carpet dissipate within the first 48 to 72 hours after installation – even sooner with the ventilation of fans, open windows or doors.

The Carpet and Rug Institute offers Green Label and Green Label Plus testing and certification to indicate carpet, carpet backings, cushions and adhesives that emit low VOCs. In fact, the Green Label carpet program has such a positive impact on the indoor environment that the American Lung Association approves its use in its Healthy Homes programs. Additionally, the Green Label Plus program’s tough standards exceed the green building requirements dictated by California schools.

So if you are concerned about asthma, allergies or VOCs, be sure to ask about Green Label and Green Label Plus carpet, cushion and adhesive options.

Hard Surface Flooring and Clean Air

Christine Rankin — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:49:57 +0000

Wood flooring has a great story to tell from both a macro-and micro-environmental perspective. That is, wood flooring is good, not only for the environment in the big picture, but also for the interior environment of customers’ homes, and that is something health conscious customers should be aware of.

“One of the often untold stories about wood flooring is that because it does not collect dust and allergens, many health professionals say that wood flooring is a good choice for homes where one or more inhabitants suffer from allergies,” says Ed Korczak, CEO and executive director of the National Wood Flooring Association.

In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that 50 million Americans suffer from some form of allergies and 20 million suffer from asthma. The National Center for Healthy Housing (www.centerforhealthyhousing.org) and other recommend hard surface floors such as hardwood to help eliminate dust, animal dander, microorganisms and other potential allergens in the home.

It is our opinion that the maintenance of hard surface flooring is extremely important to the health of individuals who suffer from asthma and allergies. If dust and dander are allowed to accumulate and swirl around in the air, then any hard surface flooring benefits are voided. A daily routine that picks up and removes this material will prove to be more effective.

Carpet Network Blog - "What's Under Foot" » Wood Flooring Alergies

Allergy Friendly – Carpet

Hard Surface Flooring and Clean Air