Families suffering from asthma and allergy symptoms often avoid carpet. The general perception is that it can release allergens and exasperate symptoms. It is believed to be especially harmful for children. In fact, the opposite is true. Here, we'll briefly discuss why this is an outdated take on carpet flooring.
The research
Studies conducted by The New England Journal of Medicine, the Professional Testing Laboratory and Airmid Healthgroup all show that carpet flooring does not lead to an increased level of allergens in the home. The Airmid Healthgroup study was conducted in a test chamber room, providing easy and accurate measurements of allergen levels after common disturbances. The NEJM study enrolled nearly 1,000 children (ages 5-11) from seven different cities over the course of a year. Their goal was to determine the impact of the children's home environment on their condition.
The results consistently showed that carpet has no adverse impact on home air quality. In fact, the study conducted by Professional Testing Laboratory found that allergen levels tend to be higher in rooms with hard surface floors. That's because allergens that eventually settled into carpet became trapped under the fibers. So, these particles wouldn't get kicked back into the air even after normal use. On hard surface floors, there was nothing to prevent particles that had settled on the surface from reentering the air if a person's actions or the HVAC system disturbed the airflow.
Microban antimicrobrial technology
Unfortunately, allergens aren't the only problem for allergies and asthma. Mold and mildew can also aggrivate symptoms and negatively impact overall health. Carpet featuring the Microban treatment can offer some relief. It's designed to provide a hostile environment for microbial, including allergens, mold and mildew. While it's still important to clean Microban carpet regularly, your home will stay fresher between cleanings.
Filtering your home's air with carpet
In addition to remaining fresher between cleanings, carpet can also help filter your home's air. As we discussed, carpet fibers trap allergens as they settle. If cleaned regularly, you can actually remove these particles from the home entirely. Just remember to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to prevent fine particles from entering back into the air. Also, vacuum at least once per week to prevent a buildup.
Also, it's important to have carpet professionally cleaned every 18 months. Consider carpet cleaners who use the hot water extraction method. Of course, to help carpet filter your home's air, it's important to clean and vacuum regularly. Remember to vacuum at least once per week or after a large social gathering. For best results, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filters. These remove even the finest particles, preventing them from entering the air. This will remove dirt, soil, and dander that are too deeply embedded for vacuums to remove. Hot water extraction avoids harsh soaps and chemicals, leaving both your carpet and indoor air quality in tip-top shape.
Learn more: Make the right choice
Every home is different. If you're ready to make an informed choice on your next flooring purchase, visit Madison's premier flooring experts at CarpetsPlus of Wisconsin today!
The research
Studies conducted by The New England Journal of Medicine, the Professional Testing Laboratory and Airmid Healthgroup all show that carpet flooring does not lead to an increased level of allergens in the home. The Airmid Healthgroup study was conducted in a test chamber room, providing easy and accurate measurements of allergen levels after common disturbances. The NEJM study enrolled nearly 1,000 children (ages 5-11) from seven different cities over the course of a year. Their goal was to determine the impact of the children's home environment on their condition.
The results consistently showed that carpet has no adverse impact on home air quality. In fact, the study conducted by Professional Testing Laboratory found that allergen levels tend to be higher in rooms with hard surface floors. That's because allergens that eventually settled into carpet became trapped under the fibers. So, these particles wouldn't get kicked back into the air even after normal use. On hard surface floors, there was nothing to prevent particles that had settled on the surface from reentering the air if a person's actions or the HVAC system disturbed the airflow.
Microban antimicrobrial technology
Unfortunately, allergens aren't the only problem for allergies and asthma. Mold and mildew can also aggrivate symptoms and negatively impact overall health. Carpet featuring the Microban treatment can offer some relief. It's designed to provide a hostile environment for microbial, including allergens, mold and mildew. While it's still important to clean Microban carpet regularly, your home will stay fresher between cleanings.
Filtering your home's air with carpet
In addition to remaining fresher between cleanings, carpet can also help filter your home's air. As we discussed, carpet fibers trap allergens as they settle. If cleaned regularly, you can actually remove these particles from the home entirely. Just remember to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to prevent fine particles from entering back into the air. Also, vacuum at least once per week to prevent a buildup.
Also, it's important to have carpet professionally cleaned every 18 months. Consider carpet cleaners who use the hot water extraction method. Of course, to help carpet filter your home's air, it's important to clean and vacuum regularly. Remember to vacuum at least once per week or after a large social gathering. For best results, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filters. These remove even the finest particles, preventing them from entering the air. This will remove dirt, soil, and dander that are too deeply embedded for vacuums to remove. Hot water extraction avoids harsh soaps and chemicals, leaving both your carpet and indoor air quality in tip-top shape.
Learn more: Make the right choice
Every home is different. If you're ready to make an informed choice on your next flooring purchase, visit Madison's premier flooring experts at CarpetsPlus of Wisconsin today!