Many Americans are concerned that carpets could cause allergies or asthma. However, studies show that this is not the case.
Allergens exist in every home. Inhaled allergens can cause an immune reaction, which manifests in watery eyes, runny noses and conjunctivitis. Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, is a common condition in both children and adults. Carpeting is not the only problem. Research Triangle Institute researchers and University of North Carolina investigators compared two North Carolina schools with carpeted floors to determine the problem. The school with tiles had higher levels of airborne allergens.
Why? Carpet can store a lot of soil before it becomes dirty. Carpet traps dirt and dust, but it can also hold allergens such as mold spores or dander. If allergens become airborne and can be inhaled, they cannot cause symptoms. Carpet acts as a filter and prevents allergens from entering the air. Allergens that have been trapped can be easily removed by vacuuming or steam cleaning.
Mitchell Sauerhoff (Ph.D., DABT) wrote that in a recent paper “with respect to asthma and allergies, multiple studies have reported fewer allergy and asthma symptoms associated with carpet.”
While allergens such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can still cause concern among carpet owners, evidence suggests that carpets emit very low levels of chemical irritants. According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, carpet VOCs are rapidly decreasing so that they don’t pose a risk to your health. Shaw Floors offers low-VOC carpets. They meet the Green Label Plus standard by CRI. This is the industry’s highest standard for low levels.
For more information, please visit www.shawfloors.com/allergens.
