Choosing the Right Flooring to Minimize Allergies

Our houses are all packed with allergens and toxic substances.

American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) informs us that more than half of the population of the United States suffers from different forms of allergies (most common allergens are found in our homes). By precisely considering different flooring choices, you will be able to eliminate one major cause of problems.

Common allergens

Dust mites, mold and pet dander are common allergens found inside most of our homes. We can improve the air quality by reducing the places where allergens hide. This way we can reduce symptoms like itchy eyes or respiratory and sinus ailments.

• Dust mites are microscopic animals (too small to be seen by the naked eye) who live in human habitation. Droppings of dust mites or body parts and husks can be found in any kind of fiber (example: the carpet).
• Mold can be found on any surface with moisture, including flooring in areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
• Our pets shed animal dander (skin flakes and hair) which contributes to allergies by salivating, urinating, defecating or even by dragging biological playthings in from outside.

Flooring can also contain volatile organic compounds which can cause allergies in some people. Exposure to VOCs can trigger asthma attacks and is associated with symptoms including headaches, eye irritation, coughing, unexplained fatigue, and respiratory distress.

It is in your best interest to look for a manufacturer that deals in VOC-free products and consider the use of VOC-free adhesives with your flooring contractor, before picking any kind of flooring.

Cork Floors

Cork flooring is an exquisite choice on several levels. Cork is antimicrobial because of the presence of suberin (a naturally  waxy occurring substance that reduces expansion of mold, mildew, bacteria, and other allergens). It is very easy to clean with a dust mop, and even though it is a porous material, the finish prevents pockets where allergens can gather.

Hardwood Floors

While being the most desirable type of flooring, hardwood is also a great choice for people sensitive to allergens. This kind of surface leaves no room to hide for dust mites.

Laminate Floors

Depending on the manufacture, laminate flooring may or may not be a good choice for allergen reduction. Laminates are mostly manufactured by gluing different layers of wood conglomerate. The adhesives used during this process may be laden with potentially dangerous VOCs that cause allergies. You should always check product documentation. The best picks are laminate floors that are CARB compliant or have a formaldehyde rating of E1 or E0. Also, we need to tell you that the hard surface, much like hardwoods, is easy to clean and does not hide dust and dander.

Bamboo Floors

Bamboo is another excellent choice for people with allergies. Besides offering all the surface properties of hard flooring, bamboo floors won’t provide a home for dust mites or dander. This kind of floor is also water-resistant and less likely to retain moisture than traditional hardwood. Also, the manufacturing is very important. Make sure you check to be sure the manufacturing process is low VOC before purchasing bamboo flooring and verify that any installation adhesives are free of VOCs.

Stone Tile

Smooth stone is less likely to harbor allergens than a stone that is porous in nature and has a edge silhouette. The truth is that natural-looking stone with a rough finish can provide compartments for allergens while highly polished marble and granite are excellent choices against allergen . Using an underlayment moisture barrier like cork or foam rubber will help stop mold from developing.

Porcelain and Ceramic Tile

Tile is another excellent choice against allergens. Furthermore, percelains and ceramic tile is easy to care for because dust accumulation is simple to spot and clean. We wish to remind you to make sure it is installed with VOC-fee adhesives. When using any tile you should always make sure the grouting is in good repair for preventing moisture from seeping beneath the floor into the subfloor where mold can expand.

Vinyl Flooring

High-end vinyl floors offer all the benefits of a hard surface including easy care and cleaning while not providing pockets to collect moisture, mold, or mites.

In the case of vinyl, you get exactly what you pay for. Lower end vinyl floorings are often manufactured with VOCs and this process makes emissions from even the material itself an allergen risk.

Carpet

It is obvious that carpets are a nightmare for allergy sufferers.

Because it can retain a high level of moisture, carpets make a perfect place for the growth of mold and mildew. If you are certain that you want a carpet, clean it as frequently as you can with a good quality HEPA filtered vacuum, and choose a carpeting manufactured to be mold and mildew resistant and also VOC-free.

If the carpet gets wet, extract the water instantly and keep the temperature cold until the carpet is dry.

You now know that every floor covering has pros and cons when it comes to minimizing allergens in the home.The best way to inhibit the growth of allergens in hard flooring is to ensure that the floor is sealed against moisture by grouting or glue. Remember that all types of floors should be kept dust-free.