Carpet versus Hardwood
The following is an adaptation of a study produced by the Canadian Carpet Institute in Ontario; addressing the common myths surrounding carpet maintenance, carpet indoor air quality, and carpet allergies.
It is our hope that you find the information informative and helpful when making your decision to buy carpet.
Download Canadian Carpet Institute PDF by clicking here: Cleaner Air
Myth No. 1 “There are health risks associated with carpet.”
An extensive toxicological assessment of components of carpet concluded that the chemicals in carpet pose no health risks of public concern.
In 1994, Environ Corporation of Arlington, Virginia, prepared a study, Safety Assessment of Components of and Emissions from Carpets. The conclusion was: “For the chemicals identified as being present in, but not emitted from carpet, there is no reason to believe that they present any health risk of public concern. For chemicals identified as being from carpet, no cancer risk of public health concern is predicted for any chemical individually, or when the predicted upper limit on risk is added for all potential carcinogens. Similarly, no non-carcinogenic effects of public health concern would be anticipated.”
Myth No. 2 “Mold and mildew can grow in carpet.”
Mold and mildew exist ONLY where there is excess moisture and dirt coupled with poor cleaning and maintenance habits. Mold growth can occur on any surface – from windowpanes to carpet – that is not properly maintained and when moisture is extreme. Eliminating sources of excessive moisture, such as water leaks, and controlling humidity greatly offset the potential for mold to grow.
In a study conducted by HOST/Racine Industries, six Florida schools were checked for indoor air problems triggered by high humidity and reduced ventilation. Dust-lined, moldy ducts and plumbing leaks onto ceiling tiles allowed mold to grow and released millions of spores into the air. The research supported that mold and mildew are not associated with a particular surface, such as carpet
Myth No. 3 “Carpet is a cause of the asthma and allergy increase.”
Comparison data from Sweden supports that there is no link between carpet usage and the incidence of asthma or allergies. We are not aware of any published scientific research demonstrating a link between carpet and asthma or allergies.
A study, based on historical figures for ten years, was reported by scientists at the Swedish Institute of Fibre and Polymer Research. They found that while the use of carpet in Sweden had steadily decreased since 1975, the occurrences of allergic reactions in the general population had increased.
Myth No. 4 “Carpet is a sink for allergy-causing substances.”
This is true as stated. The critical point, however, is often missed. Carpet holds allergen-causing substances tightly and, as a result, keeps allergens from becoming airborne, minimizing the level of allergens in the breathing zone. This translates to lower exposure potential. The allergens held by carpet’s filter-like effect may be removed by vacuuming, refreshing the filter- like properties of the carpet to allow more material to be removed from the air. Vacuuming mattresses, carpet, and upholstery once or twice a week removed allergens, including dust mite feces – a known source of allergen. It is important to use the proper type of vacuum to minimize re-suspending allergens.
In Carpet and Airborne Allergens, A Literature Review, Dr. Alan Luedtke refers to the results of a study aimed at determining the effect of routine vacuuming cleaning that indicate frequent vacuum cleaning over a short time significantly reduces house dust and mite allergen levels in carpets. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies indicate the effectiveness of carpet in reducing airborne particles. This data indicates that soil in carpet is significantly reduced following cleaning.
Myth No. 5 “Carpet is a source of indoor quality (IAQ) problems.”
As noted previously, an extensive toxicological assessment of components of, and emissions from, carpet concluded that the chemicals in carpet “present no health risks of public health concern.” Further, allergens in carpet may be removed by vacuuming.
EPA/RTI Total Building Cleaning Effectiveness Study states, “Organized cleaning contributes to reduction of particle VOCs and biological pollutants 50%+.” Also referenced is the previously mentioned 1994 report from the Environ Corporation, Safety Assessment of Components of and Emissions from Carpets.
Myth No. 6 “Carpet is harder to maintain than hard-floor surfaces, and this maintenance is more expensive.”
Properly maintained carpet only needs vacuuming once or twice weekly and periodic extraction cleaning. The sweeping, mopping, stripping, waxing, and buffing that hard surface floors demand are more laborious and costly.
A Building Office Managers Association (BOMA) study found hard-surface floors require two-and-a-half times more annual cleaning than carpet.
Myth No. 7 “Carpet is environmentally non-sustainable.”
CCI member companies, representing over 90 percent of the industry’s manufacturers, have an excellent track record over the last dozen years of decreasing wastes produced and energy consumed, improving the industry’s sustainability.
Myth No. 8 “Carpet is a major emitter of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).”
Most new interior furnishings and building materials emit VOCs for a period of time. Emissions from new carpet are among the lowest of any household’s indoor furnishings, and most VOCs dissipate within 24 hours – even faster with good ventilation.
To further minimize other IAQ concerns, specify low-emitting products, including CCI Green Label carpet, when selecting household products and furnishings.
Myth No. 9 “Formaldehyde is used in the production of new carpet.”
Formaldehyde is not used in the carpet manufacturing process. It is not emitted from new carpet.
An article published in 1989 in the American Textile Chemist and Colorists Journal stated that research conducted by the School of Textile Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, under Dr. Wayne Tincher and other researchers dispelled this widely-held myth.
Myth No. 10 “Latex in carpet produces allergic reactions.”
The latex that holds the fibers and backing together in broadloom carpet is synthetic. Synthetic latex is not associated with the allergic reactions of natural latex, which are caused by the proteins found in natural latex.
Carpet is made primarily of the same innocuous materials found in clothing and other everyday fabrics, including polypropylene and nylon.
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