Is New Carpet Bad For Asthma

We have been looking for a new carpet for our hallway stairs and landing.

Is new carpet bad for asthma.

It is a common misconception that carpet contributes to asthma and allergies in people. We were told that wood flooring or tile flooring or linoleum were better for asthma. A great many reputable sources advise allergy and asthma sufferers to remove the carpeting. Those living with asthma or allergy symptoms have historically been advised to remove all carpet in the home because carpet traps allergens.

True carpets accumulate dust and dirt in a far greater extent than hard flooring however the critical point is often missed. What the experts say about carpet and asthma. If you do put in hard flooring keep in mind that all synthetic flooring initially releases gasses known as volatile organic compounds vocs that. Most of the time the symptoms are due to irritation instead of an allergic or toxic reaction to the chemicals.

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. If you have allergies or asthma removing your carpet may be your best option. Steam cleaning carpet on a regular basis can help reduce the presence of dust mites and other allergens in your home. There has been no evidence that specifically supports an allergy to carpet but some people believe that it is possible.

Carpet has long been regarded as the enemy when it comes to allergies and asthma. Carpet triggers asthma and allergy carpet allergy does not exist. So for years we were told not to have carpet. The most common signs of a believed allergic reaction to carpet are headache skin rash and upper respiratory discomfort.

New carpet installation also has been associated with wheezing and coughing in babies in their first year of life. I had quite a bad attack after visiting a carpet showroom and have now got cold feet about having the new carpet fitted. However new evidence says that carpeting may not be so bad for asthmatics after all. 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. If that isn t enough replacing carpeting with hard flooring may be a good idea. Some of these chemicals and glues are made with volatile organic compounds vocs which emit odors and pollutants. Last medically reviewed on january 24 2019.

There s a good reason for this. 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.