Facing the Carpet Facts: The Hypoallergenic Benefits of Carpets Floor Trends Magazine recently published, in their July 2013 issue, an article entitled “The Hypoallergenic Benefits of Hardwood Flooring.” In the article, Rick Brian of R. B. Brian and Associates attempts to explain that hardwood is a more hypoallergenic option, or that hardwood is a better flooring option for people who suffer from allergies. However, Mr. Brian is mistaken. We at the Carpet and Rug Institute have become rather familiar with this argument. We are also familiar with the facts related to which floor covering is best for people who suffer from asthma and allergies. The facts do not support Mr. Brian’s claims. There is not clear scientific evidence that proves that carpet is bad for people who have asthma and allergies, and in fact, there are multiple scientific studies that establish carpet as a suitable or even preferable floor covering for asthma and allergy sufferers. One of the more recent studies, known as the Inner City Asthma Study, produced findings that refuted the widely-held notion that patients with asthma or allergies must, or even should, remove their carpets. Brian also references a business trip to Sweden and notes that hardwood flooring was used in “hypoallergenic” rooms at his hotel and in a home he visited. And yet, a 15-year study from Sweden produced some of the most pro-carpet results in the last 20 years. This Swedish study found that when carpet usage decreased by 70 percent in that country, allergic reactions within the general population increased by 30 percent. This disproves any link to clinical benefits associated with carpet removal for asthma and allergy sufferers. There’s more evidence showing the benefits to carpet to indoor air quality and disproving a deleterious effect on asthma and allergy symptoms on the CRI website. Allergens are a concern for many people, especially when it comes to indoor air quality, but by having carpet that is well maintained with a Seal of Approval vacuum and a regular cleaning schedule, carpet can be a defense against indoor allergens. We at CRI believe you should be well informed when it comes to this debate on carpet and allergies. So the next time you’re shopping for a floor covering and asthma or allergies are something you are concerned about, remember that carpet is a warm and comfortable, easy-to-maintain, affordable, and hypoallergenic option for your home, office, or facility. CRIBlog.org
Posted on: Thu, 05 Sep 2013 17:00:00 +0000