Carpet and Allergens – Answers to Common Misconceptions

Allergens

Some biopollutants, such as animals, dander, house dust mites, and mold, have been linked to allergies and asthma, and many of these substances are commonly found in the average home.  It is important to understand that the mere presence of allergens does not in itself pose a hazard.  The allergen must be inhaled for exposure to occur, and in order for inhalation to occur, the allergen must be airborne.

Carpet acts as a trap for allergens

Carpet is capable of holding significant quantities of soil, dust, etc., without appearing very dirty.  It has been demonstrated that carpet is quite efficient at keeping allergen and other small particles such as pollen out of the air.  In fact, data from a Swedish government study indicates that when use of carpet declined, the number of people reporting allergy problems increased.

Regular vacuuming with a vacuum using a high-efficiency filter and periodic cleaning using the hot-water extraction cleaning (“steam cleaning”) removes the majority of allergen from carpet as well as significantly reducing mite populations.

Research has clearly shown that there is no correlation between allergen contained in carpet and allergen in the air in the carpeted room.

Research on carpet

In 2002, two schools in North Carolina were the subject of a study conducted by Research Triangle Institue (RTI) and University of North Carolina (UNC) investigators.  One school had mostly resilient tile floors, while the other was 70-75% carpeted. The study found that airborne contaminants, possible sources of allergens, were higher over the tiled floors than over carpet.

Also in 2002, Professional Testing Laboratory studied the effect of foot traffic on air quality, using commercial carpet and commercial vinyl flooring.  Following 16 minutes of foot traffic over both surfaces, the particulate concentration over the vinyl floor was found to be four times that of carpet.

Other studies, including one using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), have reinforced these findings and concluded that carpets actually reduce exposure to particulates and potential adverse health effects.

In a recent paper, “Carpet, Asthma and Allergies – Myth or Realty,” Dr. Mitchell Sauerhoff, Ph.D., DABT, examined numerous scientific studies and other research contradicting some long-held beliefs on carpet’s alleged negative characteristics.

Sauerhoff concluded, “…based on the available science, carpet does not cause asthma or allergies and does not increase the incidence or severity of asthma or allergies symptoms. In fact, with respect to asthma and allergies, multiple studies have reported fewer allergy and asthma symptoms associated with carpet.”

Hardwood

Like a fine piece of furniture, wood flooring increases in value and becomes more beautiful with time. In a national survey, 90 percent of real estate agents said that houses with wood flooring sell faster and for more money.

Wood is a natural resource, renewable and recyclable. Buildings, barns, ships and other structures made of wood often find a second life in wood flooring, cabinets, walls and ceilings. And leading allergists agree that wood floors are the perfect choice for a healthy home.

Hardwood Both homeowners and designers love it.

A floor of authentic, rich hardwood adds an unmistakable air of elegance and charm to a room. That’s why this choice of flooring for home interiors is extremely popular. Both designers and homeowners love it.

In a recent gathering of designers from California companies Peninsula Floors, Inc., and JPS Surface Solutions, flooring was discussed in general, and hardwood’s praises were sung in particular.

“I have hardwood throughout my whole house,” said Dana Johnson, who’s the Design Center Sales Manager with Peninsula Floors in San Jose. “We’re using wood more in areas of the home where you haven’t previously seen it, like bedrooms and hallways.”

Johnson added that hardwood has been seen in America’s kitchens for several years. When it’s carefully chosen and well sealed, hardwood flooring is a fine choice for this most active area of the home.

Johnson’s colleague, Gaylene Higgins, is another designer partial to hardwood. Working from JPS Surface Solutions’ Corona, CA, office, Higgins is fond of adding extra impact in her interiors through layering and mixing — specifically hardwood and area rugs.

“I do a lot of hard surface in family rooms and use rugs for warmth and a cozy feeling,” she said. “You can roll up the area rug when the kids have a party, and when you get tired of that rug, you can get another one. It’s easy to replace them.”

She pointed out that when hardwood and area rugs are used together, redecorating can be as simple as replacing or switching a rug with something in a different color or pattern. So hardwood makes a wonderful, versatile base for a number of fashionable looks.

In terms of trends, Dana Johnson has noted some obvious directions. “Hardwood is going more toward distressed planks, planks in wider widths, and exotic woods. It’s no longer just plain maple or oak. We’re seeing more mahogany, cherry, teak, walnut. Also, mixing woods is done a lot now.”

With hardwood being used all over the house, durable finishes and solid warranties are more crucial than ever before. Manufacturers like Shaw have stepped up to the plate, developing outstanding finishes that provide long-term abrasive wear resistance and stain and spill protection.

Of course, to some, a scratch here or there is nothing to get concerned about. Robin Phelps, Design Center Operations Manager with Peninsula Floors in San Jose, noted that with all the distressed and hand-planed looks on the market, little dents, dings, and scratches are scarcely noticeable. And even when they are, she doesn’t mind. “When we scratch or dent our hard wood, it adds character,” she said.

Character does seem to be a hallmark of hardwood. This flooring material imparts a sense of longevity, permanence, and lasting appeal. Hardwood simply never goes out of style.

In addition, as if to score one last point for what he seems to consider a nearly perfect flooring material, Dana Johnson said, “And I like the way it sounds when you walk on it!” ]]> http://chelanhomecenter.com/2011/02/13/wood-flooring-is-timeless/feed/ 0 http://chelanhomecenter.com/2011/02/12/carpet-myths-debunked/ http://chelanhomecenter.com/2011/02/12/carpet-myths-debunked/#comments Sun, 13 Feb 2011 05:44:34 +0000 Tony http://chelanhomecenter.com/?p=1883
Carpet has been the most popular floor covering in America for decades for good reason – carpets feel soft, reduce noise and insulate rooms. But some common misconceptions deter people from buying carpets. Before purchasing flooring, consider the following information from Shaw Floors: