Living with asthma or allergies? Carpet is an allergen catcher:
Remove the majority of allergens from carpet—and significantly reduce mite populations—by regular vacuuming (using a high-efficiency filter) and by periodic cleaning with the hot-water extraction or steam-cleaning method.
Carpets and allergens—answers to some common misconceptions
Some bio-pollutants, such as animal dander, dust mites, and mold, have been linked to allergies and asthma—and many of these substances are commonly found in the home. It’s important to understand that the mere presence of allergens does not pose a hazard. For an allergen to have an impact on human systems, it must be inhaled; and for inhalation to occur, it must be airborne.
Carpet acts as a trap for allergens
Carpet is capable of holding significant quantities of soil, dust, etc., without appearing dirty. Carpet is quite efficient at keeping allergens 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 cleaning using a vacuum with a high-efficiency filter and periodic cleaning using hot-water extraction (“steam cleaning”) removes the majority of allergen from carpet as well as significantly reducing mite populations.
Research on carpet
STUDY:
In 2002, two schools in North Carolina were the subject of a study conducted by Research Triangle Institute and University of North Carolina 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.
STUDY:
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 […]