Does Wool Carpet Cause Allergies

The most common signs of a believed allergic reaction to carpet are headache skin rash and upper respiratory discomfort.

Does wool carpet cause allergies. Wool is non allergenic and does not promote the growth of dust mites or bacteria. Those living with asthma or allergy symptoms have historically been advised to remove all carpet in the home because carpet traps allergens. When choosing a carpet remember that they re often treated with special chemicals to neutralize or repel offending particles. Do you believe that cleaning the carpet is sufficient or should we replace all of the carpeting in the home in order to be sure it is not causing the allergy problem.

A great many reputable sources advise allergy and asthma sufferers to remove the carpeting. The improved diagnosis of allergic conditions are now available to those suffering from allergies. Lanolin allergy is rare. Wool carpets with a significant percentage of wool are still made but are expensive compared to fully synthetic options.

Latex many carpets are backed with latex which can cause a reaction in allergic animals and people. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of strict environmental control in patients with asthma and allergies. A person with wool allergies has an allergic response just like a person with an allergy to cats or pollen would have when they come into contact with those allergens. Carpet has long been regarded as the enemy when it comes to allergies and asthma.

Most medical experts while not discounting the discomfort caused by wool sensitivity say that true wool allergies are rare. The shorter the carpet fibers and the more tightly woven they are the less inviting the carpet will be to allergens and the easier it will be to clean. First if you insist on carpet but haven t picked it out yet do your allergies a favor by choosing one with a short tight weave rather than long loose fibers. It is believed that this exacerbates the symptoms of these conditions.

These common carpet treatments convert to gas over time and enter the air affecting indoor air quality and exacerbating allergies. For example 4 phenylcyclohexene is a voc found in latex emissions and may be off gassed. With new carpet this is thought to be the result of breathing 4. Individuals also have reported problems such as cough fatigue and breathing problems.

In addition to the actual materials used to make carpet vocs may cause allergic reactions in some people. There is no reason why asthmatic or allergy sensitive people should not enjoy the comfort and good looks of carpets and or rugs. Buy carpet labeled low voc volatile organic compound which limits the use of substances such as formaldehyde and benzene.