Carpet’s V’s Wooden Flooring Case Study

•In 1973, Swedish government believed that allergies were caused by wall to wall carpet.

•Carpet was banned from public facilities 1973–1990.

•Carpet’s market share dropped from 40% to 2%.

•Allergy cases up 600% in same time period.

•It is now known carpets are not the problem.  Removal of carpet does not improve allergies.  Regular cleaning of all home furnishings is key.

•Indoor air pollution is ranked among the top five environmental risks to public health.

•This is important as most people spend 90% of their time indoor.

•Children are most at risk.

American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

“Fifty percent of all illnesses are caused by or aggravated by polluted indoor air”

Allergies Are A Growing Problem

Over 40 million Americans suffer from allergies due to home biopollution: dog and cat dander, dust mite and cockroach allergens.

Allergen Sources – Biopollutants
These act as triggers for allergies:

• Dust Mites – Der p1 – is the protein found in mite fecal matter that causes allergic reactions

•  Pets – Can f1 & Fel d1- are the proteins from cats and dogs that causes allergic reactions

•  Cockroaches – Bla g1- the protein found in fecal matter of roaches that causes allergic reactions

•  Mold and Fungi

Dust Mite: Biology 101

•  Classified as Arachnids (Spiders)

•  Microscopic Primitive Creatures

•  They feed on flakes of human skin •Found in mattresses, pillows, bedding . . .

•So small they pass through weave of fabric

•Their fecal matter contains a protein called Der P 1 that triggers allergies

Pet Allergies – Number Two Allergen In The Home

•   Caused by proteins in the pet’s dander (dead skin that is shed), saliva, and urine.

•   Cats persistent nature of self-cleaning causes 80% of the serious reactions. This grooming causes the allergens to become airborne.

Home Environment Specialist
What Can We Do To Help?