Those living with asthma or allergy symptoms have historically been advised to remove all carpet in the home because carpet traps allergens.
Is new carpet bad for asthma.
Last medically reviewed on january 24 2019.
If you do put in hard flooring keep in mind that all synthetic flooring initially releases gasses known as volatile organic compounds vocs that.
A great many reputable sources advise allergy and asthma sufferers to remove the carpeting.
Most of the time the symptoms are due to irritation instead of an allergic or toxic reaction to the chemicals.
Chemicals used in some new carpets carpet pads and the adhesives used to install them can harm your health.
So here s what to know about carpet and asthma.
True carpets accumulate dust and dirt in a far greater extent than hard flooring however the critical point is often missed.
It is a common misconception that carpet contributes to asthma and allergies in people.
There has been no evidence that specifically supports an allergy to carpet but some people believe that it is possible.
There s a good reason for this.
I know before someone tells me hard flooring would be better however i can t bear the noise of my teenagers stomping up two flights of wooden stairs.
Talking with an allergist can also help.
Frequently patients with asthma or allergies experience a flare in their breathing or nasal ocular symptoms when exposed to irritants such as strong odors perfumes new paint or new carpet.
If you have allergies or asthma removing your carpet may be your best option.
We were told that wood flooring or tile flooring or linoleum were better for asthma.
New carpet installation also has been associated with wheezing and coughing in babies in their first year of life.
So for years we were told not to have carpet.
However new evidence says that carpeting may not be so bad for asthmatics after all.
What the experts say about carpet and asthma.
We have been looking for a new carpet for our hallway stairs and landing.
If that isn t enough replacing carpeting with hard flooring may be a good idea.
Individuals also have reported problems such as cough fatigue and breathing problems.
Steam cleaning carpet on a regular basis can help reduce the presence of dust mites and other allergens in your home.
Some of these chemicals and glues are made with volatile organic compounds vocs which emit odors and pollutants.
Carpet has long been regarded as the enemy when it comes to allergies and asthma.
It is believed that this exacerbates the symptoms of these conditions.
Carpet triggers asthma and allergy carpet allergy does not exist.