Friday's Fabulous Flooring Feature #3

Carpet and Health

Carpet Health Facts that will surprise you!

Fact: Carpet keeps allergens from becoming airborne.

Carpet keeps allergen-causing substances from becoming airborne by holding these substances tightly.  This minimises their level in the breathing zone.  This means less exposure potential.  The airborne allergens fall to the carpet, and the carpet acts like a filter to hold them until you vacuum, thereby refreshing the filter-like properties of the carpet to allow more material to be removed from the air.  Vacuuming carpet once or twice a week removes allergens, including dust mite feces - a known source of allergen. In order to minimise re-suspending allergens it is important to use a vacuum cleaner or central system with a HEPA filter.

The proof:

Dr. Alan Luedtke conducted a study, & created this review: Carpet and Airborne Allergens, A Literature Review.  This review refers to his study results, aimed at determining the effect of routine vacuuming.  The findings indicate frequent vacuum cleaning, even for a short period of time, significantly reduces house dust and mite allergen levels in carpets.  Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies prove the effectiveness of carpet in reducing airborne particles.

Fact: There is no link between carpet usage and the incidence of asthma or allergies.

 Recent studies show there is no link between the increase in asthma or allergies and carpet usage.  

The Proof:

 Scientists at the Swedish Institute of Fibre and Polymer Research conducted a 10 year study.  They found that while the use of carpet in Sweden had steadily decreased since 1975, the occurrences of allergic reactions in the general population had greatly increased.

Fact: Mould can occur on any surface.

 Mould growth can occur on any surface when moisture is present, and is not properly maintained. Mould exists ONLY where there is excess moisture and dirt, coupled with poor cleaning and maintenance habits.   Repairing water leaks, and controlling humidity can greatly offset the potential for mould to grow.

The Proof:

HOST/Racine Industries conducted a study where six Florida schools were checked for indoor air problems triggered by high humidity and reduced ventilation.  The cause of the mould growing in the schools was determined to be dirty ducts combined with  plumbing leaks onto ceiling tiles, thus releasing millions of spores into the air.  The research showed that mould is not associated with a particular surface such as carpet.

Fact: Formaldehyde is not used in the production of new carpet.

Formaldehyde is not used in the carpet manufacturing process; it is therefore not emitted from new carpet.

The Proof:

An  published article  in the American Textile Chemist and Colourists Journal in 1989, stated that research conducted by the School of Textile Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, under Dr. Wayne Tincher and other researchers, dispelled this widely-held myth.

Fact: Latex used in carpet is synthetic.

The latex that holds the fibres and backing together in carpet is synthetic.  Synthetic latex is not associated with the allergic reactions to natural latex, which are caused by the proteins found in natural latex.

The Proof:

The materials found in carpet is made primarily of the same innocuous materials found in clothing and other everyday fabrics, including polypropylene and nylon.

Fact: Carpet does not present a risk of indoor air quality (IAQ) problems.

The results of an extensive toxicological assessment of components and emissions from carpet concluded that the chemicals in carpet “present no health risks of public health concern.” Regular vacuuming can remove allergens in carpet.
Did you know that most new interior furnishings and building materials emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for a period of time? New carpet VOCs dissipate within 48 hours or less with good ventilation.  These emissions are among the lowest of any household’s indoor furnishings.  Choosing CCI Green Label approved carpet will also minimise other IAQ concerns.  This can also help when selecting household products and furnishings.

The Proof:

The Study:  "Safety Assessment of Components of and Emissions from Carpets".  The Institute conducting the study: Environ Corporation of Arlington, Virginia, in 1994.  The conclusion:  There is no reason to believe that the chemicals found in carpet present any health risk of public concern.