If you’re an allergy sufferer, have asthma, or have family members with these conditions, you have probably been advised to get rid of the carpet in your home. Carpet traps allergens and it was thought that these allergens would worsen allergy and asthma symptoms. It turns out that what we’ve been told may actually be the opposite of what is good for you.

Indoor Air Pollution

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollutants were two-to-five times greater than outdoor pollutants. Considering that Canadians spend about 90% of their time indoors, this can lead to serious exposure to pollution!

Carpeting Traps Airborne Allergens

A 2005 study done by the German Allergy and Asthma Society found that, contrary to popular belief, bare floors actually increase exposure to fine particulate matter that can exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms. The use of wall-to-wall carpeting actually reduced the exposure. The prevailing theory that carpeting holds allergens such as dust and dander is actually a good thing.

Bare floors don’t trap dust, dander, and other particulates and they are free to move around through the air. When the air is stirred by a breeze, people walking through the room, or a gust from an air vent, all of allergens get blown into the air where they are breathed in. Carpeting, on the other hand, traps allergens and does not release them into the air. The air quality in carpeted areas is actually better than in areas with bare floors.

The Sauerhoff Study

Another study, performed in 2008 by Dr. Mitchell W. Sauerhoff, Ph.D. DABT, concluded “based on the available science, carpet does not cause asthma or allergies and does not increase the incidence or severity of asthma or allergies symptoms. In fact, with respect to asthma and allergies, multiple studies have reported fewer allergy and asthma symptoms associated with carpet.”

Proper Maintenance is Key

Of course, you can’t just let your carpeting do all the hard work for you. In addition to regularly changing your home’s air filters and cleaning your upholstered furniture, proper carpet maintenance such as vacuuming and regular professional carpet cleaning, is key to removing trapped allergens.

Always Heed Your Physician’s Counsel

While studies have shown that carpeting can actually reduce allergy and asthma symptoms, it’s always the best to work with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for you and your family.

To find out more about professional carpet cleaning services, upholstery cleaning, and other related services, call Dr. Carpet at 647.800.5199 today.