A Healthy Choice
Naturally non-allergenic
Wool carpets are naturally non-allergenic. A number
of international studies have shown that they are very effective at
absorbing and filtering volatile organic compounds (VOCs) -
unwanted toxins and odours that can cause irritations for
asthmatics and those with respiratory problems.. Carpets bind
the allergy-causing substances tightly, reducing those circulating
in the breathing zone where they are more easily inhaled.
The German asthma and allergy federation (DAAB) looked at the
content of fine dust particles in the air over smooth floors and
carpeted floors - findings showed that indoor air in a carpeted
room contained less than half the amount of fine particulate dust
than the smooth floors. Even in Sweden, which has seen a
massive reduction in the amount of broadloom carpet in floors, has
still seen an increase in allergic reactions and other
environmental sensitivities. So you can have your carpet, and
still breathe easily.
As a natural humidity regulator, carpets also absorb moisture
when the atmosphere is damp - dampness is one of the key causes of
respiratory illness.
A recent Living Channel TV segment
discussed this further.
Dust mites don't like carpet
Asthma is mainly caused by the presence of dust mites which feed
on human skin flakes and are mostly found in beds and upholstery
which have the right conditions of temperature, darkness and
humidity. Carpets are not their preferred location, usually
being too cold, too dry and exposed to light in most places.
Wool carpet fibres are not a source of food for
mites. Vigorous and frequent vacuum cleaning using a
good vacuum system (the NZ Asthma Foundation recommends a HEPA
filter system) will keep any contamination there might be to a
minimum. Dust mites can become a problem if the carpet
is heavily worn - meaning it will not clean as effectively and
should be replaced.
References:
German Asthma and Allergy
Society (DAAB). 2005 study on "Indoor Fine
Particulate Load" published in Allergie Konkret.
Carpet and Rug
Institute This site from the Carpet and Rug
Institute contains links to a number of studies on the
relationship between wool carpet and respiratory ailments.
Asthma New
Zealand. This site from Asthma NZ has a
downloadable resource page advising on how to avoid asthma
triggers, clean carpet and which type of vacuum cleaners would be
best.
IWTO research paper,
"Chemisorption of protein reactive indoor air pollutants by wool",
DWI, Aachen Germany, April 2005.
Canesis Research 05CNJ/04.
"Identifying and promoting positive health benefits of wool
textiles", Dr Simon Causer, Canesis Network Ltd, July 2005
Canesis Research.
"Wool Textiles as Components of Safe, Functional Built
Environment", Dr Nigel Johnson and Ms Caroline Shorter, Canesis
Network Ltd, July 2005