Carpet flooring is known for its warmth, style, comfort and affordability. Despite these benefits, it is still avoided by many households because of the ingrained notions that it aggravates asthma and allergies among those who are sensitive to such maladies. But is this true? Recent studies challenge these assumptions instead, and hint that it may, in fact, be the reverse.
This post examines the various studies regarding the topic.
A study conducted by DAAB- German Allergy and Asthma Society in 2005 was published in the German magazine ALLERGIE konkret which claimed that wall-to-wall carpet flooring improves the air quality of a room and reduces the risks of allergies. The reason for the findings were simple- smooth and hard floorings like hardwood and vinyl do not capture air-borne allergens. As the air flows in a room, these particles fly around and is breathed in by the residents and that aggravates allergic conditions. But, carpet flooring traps these particles, cleaning the air in a carpeted room.
A more recent study in 2008 by Dr. Mitchell W. Sauerhoff titled Carpet, Asthma and Allergies – Myth or Reality? also concludes, after conducting an investigation over 19 years in eight different countries, that there are fewer reports of asthma and allergic symptoms associated with carpets.
Another study on childhood asthma known as Inner-City Asthma Study draws a similar conclusion that there is no difference in improvement of allergic symptoms when comparing carpeted room vs. non-carpeted rooms.
The different studies all draw the same conclusion that wall-to-wall carpet flooring is beneficial as it traps dust particles, preventing them from floating around in the house. The catch is to clean the carpet thoroughly by vacuuming it frequently and ensuring these particles are not allowed to set into the carpet for too long.
While the research demonstrates that carpets are not the reason for allergies, special care to clean the carpet flooring thoroughly is still necessary. Trapped dust, grime, pet hair, and pollen can cause bacterial growth which will lead to other health troubles.
1. Vacuuming
Vacuuming is a must and should be done thoroughly and frequently. High foot traffic and pets require regular vacuuming to maintain optimum indoor air quality. Invest in a CRI certified vacuum cleaner that is powerful enough to remove soil, dust and other particles thoroughly without damaging the carpet.
2. Prevent dust intrusion
As the saying goes- “Prevention is better than a cure”, proactively try to keep dirt and dust off your carpet flooring. Keep a quality entrance mat outside the door and don’t walk on the carpet flooring with dirty outdoor shoes.
3. Deep cleaning
Seek professional cleaning services at least once a year for your carpet flooring through hot-water extraction. This process will thoroughly clean any residual dirt particles that you cannot get rid of with your domestic cleaning regime.
Carpet flooring is a viable option for every household when it is kept clean and maintained thoroughly. If allergic reaction and asthma aggravation have been your only reasons behind not investing in carpet flooring, we hope this post has convinced you otherwise. Experts at Super Choice Carpet and Hardwood can guide you regarding the best carpeting solutions for your home.
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