According to the IICRC’s “You’d Be Floored” survey, one-third (33 percent) of respondents said that someone in their household suffers from indoor allergies. With allergy season fast approaching, the IICRC addresses a common misperception about carpet and allergies. Is the common belief that carpet aggravates allergies a fact or fiction?

 

Homeowners, specifically, are often misled into believing that carpet itself aggravates allergies, scientific studies demonstrate that just the opposite is true.

 

carpet actually traps airborne allergens that can easily be vacuumed out, whereas other flooring allows irritants to be stirred up by normal traffic or sweeping and released into the breathing zone.  It is airborne dust, not carpet, which is the culprit that triggers allergies.

 

survey also revealed that a majority -- eight out of 10 U.S. homeowners (81 percent) -- feel that their family’s health is directly related to the cleanliness of their floors. Among households with allergy sufferers, half (50 percent) agree that the type of flooring in the home can contribute to allergic reactions.

Additionally, three out of four homeowners surveyed (77 percent) vacuum their floors at least once per week. Those with children are more likely to vacuum several times per week - 47 percent among those with children and 32 percent among those without. When it comes to restorative cleaning, nearly half the homeowners surveyed (49 percent) “deep clean” their carpet at least every six months, with 39 percent hiring a professional carpet cleaning service. While nearly half of those surveyed (45 percent) “deep clean” other hard surfaces in their home at least every six months, only seven percent hire a professional.

To ensure an effective reduction of allergens in the home, the IICRC recommends that homeowners increase vacuuming frequency and hire professional certified cleaners.

Some quick talk for those customers that are thinking of changing to hardwood because they have allergies.  I'm allergic to hardwood bad for the bottom line.

http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080324/LIFE04/803240303 - http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080324/LIFE04/803240303

 

 

 

"- Replace carpet with hard surfaces. "Carpet is pretty awful," said Robert Jacobs, professor of environmental and occupational health at the University of Louisville's School of Public Health and Information Sciences. Carpet collects dirt, dust, pollen and animal dander. If it gets wet, mold grows in it. Carpet padding often contains flame-retardant chemicals that you want to limit your exposure to. So go for wood or tile floors with throw rugs you can easily clean. Damp-mop the flooring."