New Carpet Allergy
 

new carpet allergy
Many of our customers ask us about having new carpet installed in their homes and what can be done to alleviate symptoms related to new carpet. Our first choice is that you not choose carpet but rather a hard flooring surface like wood, tile or linoleum. Using area rugs that can be more easily cleaned and replaced can help "warm" up a room. Unfortunately too many people still "have to have" carpet in their bedrooms. For those, we offer you this advice.
New carpet can be a source of chemical emissions. In addition to the carpet, the padding and adhesives all emit volatile organic compounds. Some people report symptoms such as upper respiratory irritations, headaches, fatigue, skin rashes, shortness of breath and cough which they associate with new carpet installation. The distinct odor of new carpet is usually attributed to the chemical 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-PC). This chemical can be detected at very low levels, but does not result in an unpleasant odor for everyone. Usually, the odor dissipates within a few days of installation.

tips to alleviate new carpet allergy


  1. CONSULT with your retailer before installation. Ask for help in selecting carpet, padding and adhesives that will off gas less and produce fewer emissions.


  2. REQUEST that the carpet installer follow the Carpet and Rug Institute's installation guidelines.


  3. BEFORE installing the carpet, ask the retailer to unroll and air out the carpet in a well ventilated area.


  4. HAVE the sensitive person leave the premises during and immediately after carpet installation for several days if practical.


  5. INCREASE ventilation! Open the windows and doors, and use fans to increase the amount of fresh air exchange. Use the HVAC system in fan mode for two or three days after installation to clear the air.


  6. USE an air purifier that has a HEPA and Carbon filter to remove particulates and harmful emissions resulting from the new carpet.


  7. VACUUM new carpet frequently. Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner.


  8. CHANGE furnace filters frequently, we recommend once a month.


helpful products for carpet allergy

Miele Red Star HEPA Canister Vacuum Cleaner

$599.00

The Miele Red Star HEPA vacuum is great for smaller homes with wall-to-wall medium to thick pile carpeting. It has a power head to help tackle the cleaning of pet hair. Since it is in the entry series vacuum to the Miele HEPA Sealed System? this is a good vacuum for someone who doesn't want to spend as much money on the luxuries of the other Miele vacuums, but still wants an excellent vacuum with an award winning filtration system.

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Dyson DC07-Yellow HEPA Vacuum

$399.00

Dyson Root8Cyclone? vacuum cleaners have the only quick-draw hose and are hygienic and easy to empty. The brush control system protects rugs and delicate floors, and the lifetime HEPA filters mean there are no bags or filters to buy

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AllergyZone Furnace Filters

$144.99 per case

Even inside your home, your family is under constant attack from mold spores, dust mites, animal allergens, pollens and more. It's time you cleared the air with AllergyZone - the most durable MERV 12 furnace filter on the market.

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tips for washing your dust mite encasings
When properly cared for, our dust mite encasing will provide years of trouble free dust mite protection. Wash according to the directions below. Washing encasings removes any particulate on the outside of the fabric, and the drying (slight shrinking) process helps maintain the proper small pore size.
Pillow Encasings

Allersoft pillow encasings should be removed and washed in hot water every two weeks. Do not use bleach or fabric softener when washing. Dry on medium heat. Dry completely before installing.
Mattress Encasings

Allersoft mattress encasings should be removed (much more difficult than pillow encasings) and washed at least twice a year. Wash in hot water, do not use bleach or fabric softener. Dry on medium heat. Dry completely before installing.