The 'healthy flooring' debate

There has been a lot of talk in recent years about 'healthy flooring'.

Discussions primarily focus on toxins that can be given off by some new carpets, the dust mite harbouring nature of carpeting - and the effect of this on asthma and allergy sufferers.

The pro-carpet lobby has tried to counter this by suggesting that hardwood floors retain dust on the surface, which can easily become airborne.

As a hardwood flooring supplier we could, of course, be accused of being completely biased - and will therefore say little on the subject. That said, we firmly believe it is better for any dust to sit on the surface (rather than be harboured beneath the surface) where it can be easily cleaned.

Wood floors come into their own because they are a natural product - there are no gaseous toxins to be given off and they are very easy to keep clean and free of dust.



In the USA, The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is leading the way on research into 'indoor air quality', which is a hot topic. The EPA has stated that it considers indoor air pollution to be one of the top health threats.

An EPA study has shown that pesticides and other chemicals can become trapped in carpets (having been brought in from the garden) together with off gassing of toxins from some synthetic materials.

A New Scientist Report of June 2001 included an EPA report which stated that a typical sample of household carpet dust sent to a lab would be likely to contain high concentrations of the following:
- Heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium and Mercury).
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
- Pesticides.
- Polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs).

Estimates suggest that a typical square meter of British household carpet contains between 10,000 and 100,000 dust mites - along with pet allergens, faeces and urine, flea and lice eggs, and traces of toxins.

There's no doubt that carpets can harbour dirt, food, dust, pollen, mould, pet hair and contaminates brought in from shoes, such as garden pesticides and other toxins from the wider environment. Dust becomes a breeding ground for dust mites whose droppings contain allergens that can become air borne and cause allergic symptoms in asthma and other allergy sufferers.

Many leading health organisations agree that wood floors are the right choice for a healthy indoor living environment.

Wood floors are hygroscopic, which means that they absorb and release moisture into the atmosphere - thus helping to stabilise humidity and provide a healthier living environment.

In summary a wood floor helps protect you and your family from dust. Wood floors are hygienic, but as an extra measure you may choose to use a washable rug at an entrance to an exterior door.

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