4/24/2023 0 Comments House skin deep![]() If you’re allergic to the materials your carpet is made of, removing it may be your best, most comfortable option. In addition to the actual materials used to make carpet, VOCs may cause allergic reactions in some people.įor example, 4-Phenylcyclohexene is a VOC found in latex emissions, and may be off-gassed by nylon carpeting. The higher the VOC load, the more toxins in the carpet. VOCs evaporate into the air, dissipating over time. In addition, carpets can be either low VOC or high VOC. It may contain a wide variety of potential allergens, including formaldehyde and styrene. ![]() ![]() These include:Ĭarpet padding is made from bonded urethane foam, composed of recycled remnants from car parts, furniture, and mattresses. The upper layer can be made of a variety of natural or synthetic fibers. It’s possible to be allergic to substances in either part. They may also adversely affect the respiratory tract or result in allergy-induced asthma symptoms.Ĭarpets are composed of two parts, the upper pile you see and a backing layer underneath. The materials used to manufacture carpeting, as well as the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) they emit, can cause allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis, in people who are sensitive to them. Hard floors, such as laminates, wood, or tiles, do not have nooks and crannies for allergens to become trapped in, so they can be washed away easily.ĭespite this, if you have your heart set on carpeting, the AAFA suggests choosing short- over long-pile carpet. This does not, however, mean that low-pile carpets cannot provide a cozy home for dust, dirt, and pollen.Īllergy associations, such as the American Lung Association and the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA), suggest avoiding all types of wall-to-wall carpeting in favor of washable throw rugs and hard flooring. Low-pile (or short-pile) carpets have a tighter, shorter weave, so allergens have less room to hide. These provide allergens with places to stick, and mold with places to grow. High-pile (or long-pile) carpeting, such as shag or frieze rugs, are composed of long, loose fibers. Not all carpets are created equal, however. Even a carpet that is regularly vacuumed can harbor a large quantity of trapped allergens, in and around fibers.
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