Laminate and vinyl are alternative flooring options for those with asthma or allergies Laminate and vinyl are alternative synthetic options. It naturally resists mold, mildew, and bacteria and is easily maintained, like hardwood floors, with a dust mop and appropriate cleaner. I think am suffering from Cholinergic urticaria, whenever I do workout o Hi, I have recently started getting hives after consuming alcohol. However, theyre not completely impervious to allergens either. These type of floors (including hardwood, cork, and LVT) are easy to clean and dont trap allergens like carpet does. . I am in Atlanta, GA. Anupa You may want to look into a pre-finished wood. Luxury vinyl plank and vinyl tile flooring are one of the hottest new trends in flooring in recent years. The hives and welts kept coming and were getting worse. Thanks. It can seem tempting to do, especially when the weather is nice, but you might invite pollen in with the fresh air. Vinyl is a good allergy-friendly alternative as its hard surface qualities make it easy to clean of dust and debris and dont lend towards trapping allergens. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carolyn Riss gained plenty of experience in the housekeeping field. When looking for decorations like rugs, bedding, and pillows, choose ones that are made from natural materials and can be machine washable. wow, I suffer from the same problems with the shopping bags, ziploc bags, garbage bags, seems like anything plastic I touch hates me. Laminate and vinyl are alternative synthetic options. Flooring adhesives can also contain high amounts of VOCs. This site is owned by The Flooring Girl LLC, a subsidiary of Dynamo Marketers. Furthermore a tight looped polypropylene carpet is impervious to moisture and is inherently mold proof Most importantly, you can maintain this surface type effortlessly. Not all tile flooring is allergy friendly. Without beating around the bush, vinyl flooring is not hard to install. Could it be possible that the plastic particles is getting in my track and reacting?? Which flooring is the best option for combating allergy triggers? If you are still concerned about the safety issue of Vinyl floors, you can consider the following alternatives for healthier options. Be sure to check the levels and presence of one particular VOC: Formaldehyde. These toxic chemicals can be harmful to air quality of the immediate environment it's installed in and may cause respiratory problems over time. The relieving fact is- home improvement companies now produce phthalate-free vinyl flooring. It doesnt contain any harmful ingredients that are 100% safe for human health. Vinyl is produced using petroleum, which isn't a renewable resource. You can request copies of the manufacturers Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each product to determine the VOC content. Laminate uses recycled hardwood and the product is manufactured by gluing together layers of wood composite. As they are synthetic products (vs. hardwood or cork which are natural), they may tend to cause other issues, especially with cheaper options. PVC can also readily contaminate water bodies like streams. Yes, even hardwood flooring or laminates can cause allergies or asthma. Theyre here to help with all your questions from allergy-friendly product selection, to installation and maintenance. Stone and ceramic tile can be better choices than vinyl and laminate. The 'new smell' may disappear after a week or so but the fumes are still being emitted they're just much more subtle. If youre researching this on your own, remember to steer clear of soft surfaces like carpet and consider more natural products like hardwood, or cork, or general hard surfaces like concrete, tile or stone. These chemicals have been associated with critical healthiness issues, including respiratory problems, neurological issues, epidermis irritation, and cancer. Vinyl flooring will also produce other hazardous chemicals into the air from the adhesives that are used to install the flooring. Although vinyl plank floors have exceptional qualities, they do have some disadvantages. I am currently in the market for a new home and will not even consider a home with vinyl flooring. So many of the homes are using the vinyl plank flooring it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a safe non toxic home. Linoleum is another non-toxic surface type. Additionally, when seasonal allergies are at their high, avoid opening your windows. Allergies may be prompted by way of many things found in your home such as carpet, which might include a hundred instances extra allergens than hard flooring [source: e-healthy-homes]. For indoor floors, the odor may linger longer than on outdoor floors. My heart was set on laminate, now what do I do? All those adhesives and man-made materials are potential sources of allergens. An allergen can be eaten, inhaled into your lungs, injected into your body or simply something you touched. Flooring is an item inside your home that can be filled with a mix of different chemicals that can release into the air and pollute the air quality indoors. Ceramic, Porcelain and Glass Tile Ceramic, porcelain and glass tiles are durable possibilities for solid-surface floors and are good for rooms with a good number of moisture, like loos and kitchens. Here are 3 things you can do to prevent allergens and irritants from living in your home. What are the pros and cons of engineered hardwood? at the desks, chairs, etc). Or, perhaps ask your friends or your real estate agent. I would think, but I could be wrong, that would products would be okay as they dont have pollen, etc. The Floor Should have a Very Low VOC Content. As with any potential new flooring job, our search for allergy-friendly floors brings us to tile and stone. Lets examine what options are available underfoot for allergen-sensitive households. What is the most durable flooring for pets? BTW, an alternative to laminate, which is much better and waterproof is Coretec Plus. Vinyl plank and luxury vinyl plank/tile are very low in VOCs and offgassing but they do have the problem of semi-VOCs the plasticizers. Even though cork is porous, the finish prevents allergens from collecting and growing. It can trap bacteria and allergens and its a terrible surface for laminate or vinyl to go on top of. Researchers have found that children living in homes with vinyl flooring and sofas treated with fire retardant chemicals show increased levels of certain toxic chemicals. Are waterproof floors good for people with allergies? The reaction can cause coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, and a scratchy throat. Plus, vinyl siding is approved for use in all types of construction1, including non-combustible rated structures up to 40 feet tall, one hour fire-rated assemblies, wild fire zones, and other fire resistive construction. Allergies are an incurable condition that adults and children alike are faced with every single day. An outstanding many reliable resources propose hypersensitivity and bronchial asthma sufferers to take away the carpeting. So, it is entirely safe to install in your home. The tile and linoleum are better options for wet and moist areas such as bathrooms and mudrooms. Though we are not allergic, but their are few other benefits of vinyl flooring too. Why is energy transfer inefficient in the ecosystem? Laminate flooring also wins out over vinyl when it comes to environmental sustainability. Use solid surface flooring instead of carpet. Its easy to clean and holds up well to water. The toxic fumes that are produced into this space are a product of the off gassed chemicals in the air that when inhaled and/or exposed to human health will result in very hazardous and potentially catastrophic health risks in those individuals in the environment. How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring? The Best Way To Clean Waterproof LVT Flooring. So, still, is vinyl flooring toxic? Certain foods can cause irritant contact dermatitis. A recent study found that most vinyl flooring, made from reprocessed plastic, contained toxic phthalates, lead, cadmium, brominated flame retardants, and other toxic chemicals. We recommend you vacuum the Carpeted surface regularly. They are inherently mold and mildew resistant due to the antimicrobial presence of suberin. However, many waterproof flooring manufacturers use materials that are safe for those with allergies and asthma and that meet rigorous indoor air quality certifications. Copyright 2011-2022 | All Rights Reserved. The American Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America encourages homeowners to use a whole-home humidifier and dehumidifier to keep your home below 50% relative humidity. Vinyl flooring becomes popular in recent years as it is attractive, durable, and affordable. These substances are broadly called allergens. When it comes to the safest option, hardwood flooring is a prime choice. I had gone through your article and many others as i just got my house constructed. As with any of these products be careful to note the VOCs on the sealant and the adhesives used during install and adjust your product selections accordingly. Your safe harbor from the pressures and threats of the day-to-day outside world. Laminate flooring emits gas for about 10 years. There are also hypoallergenic and low VOC carpet padding (such as felt or Shaws Triple Touch Carpet padding) which tend to be better for allergies or asthma. Besides, this report shows commercial products containing phthalates are safe and will not be harmful to the human body at a typical exposure level. On the other hand, you can find non-toxic flooring options like Linoleum and Carpet to relieve this problem. Off-gassing is identified as the release of a chemical, particularly a harmful one, that will turn into a gas at room temperature and will expel into the air, leaving this space significantly compromised by the released chemicals. While hardwood and cork are generally the best options for those with asthma and allergies, stone or tile flooring, as well as linoleum are also great options. E-mail-custserv@timilon, Learn More About The EnviroKlenz Air System. Carpeting can be a reservoir for allergy-causing substances (allergens) that trigger asthma. Here are the vinyl floors products Shopper Reviews recommends: Tarkett NAFCO PermaStone Collection-Natural Slate-Sand Stone NS-660. Among flooring options for homeowners, one of the most popular options is vinyl flooring that will give your home a new, clean refreshing look. One may also ask, do vinyl flooring off gas? The material and statements illustrated within this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or medical conditions. But for those who are affected by allergies, flooring takes on a whole new meaning. However, selection can come with some considerations. As stated above, there is no cure for allergies. This makes woven vinyl flooring a great option for allergy sufferers. Most cork floors, though, are floating, so its important that your subfloor is level/even, otherwise you may need to smooth and/or level out the floors prior to installing cork. Thus, Vinyl plank flooring is toxic and easily contaminates indoor air, water, and surfaces. I recommend them as they are good products. With natural stone, its important to seal it to prevent mold and bacteria from growing) and for all types of tile (natural stone, porcelain and ceramic), its important to seal the grout, and reseal it, ideally every 1-2 years. Lots of more affordable rug pad possibilities are made using one of those plastic known as PVC. Dioxin is known to be a toxic chemical, but it's also been linked to illnesses of many vital systems, such as the reproductive and immune systems. FloorScore is a certification from SCS Global Services that tests finished flooring products for 35 individual VOC emissions (including formaldehyde). Here are some other articles that might interest you: hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(529392, '2310777b-aa0a-4b06-87dd-dbcb05f672bd', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); Dane is the owner and manager at Eckard's Flooring Savannah GA. Andrew Thank you so much. Do you have plywood subfloor or wood in the house? Most natural flooring products such as solid hardwood, linoleum, and cork flooring have the least amount of VOC, usually none at all. So how can you possibly avoid something as prolific as an allergen from entering your home? Once at home, clean these items as needed. The only meds that seem to alleviate the itch and hives are prednisone and benadryl- which I cannot live on. While carpet is an obvious aggravator of allergies, there are many other flooring finishes that are not ideal for the people who suffer from allergies. Besides, this report shows commercial products containing phthalates are safe and will not be harmful to the human body at a typical exposure level. Kick Dust Mites Out of Bed These microscopic bugs can trigger allergies and asthma. Accordingly, whats the best floors for somebody with allergies? At NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU, I will earn a small commission, if you purchase them. As a general rule, carpeting is the worst choice for allergies while wood or cork flooring are the best selections. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. Fax | 941.866.0428 While concrete does emit VOCs, the emissions are significantly lower than that of most other building products, as reported by the Portland Cement Association, a policy, research, education, and market intelligence organization serving Americas cement manufacturers. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. TW Yes, Im sure that can have a big impact. If you are allergy sensitive, then choosing the hardwood floor will be your best option. Can vinyl flooring cause allergic reaction? For more advice on remodeling for those with allergies or asthma, check out this site: asthma and allergy foundation of America. That base layer is often man-made materials bonded together with a chemical adhesive. But why? Thus, Vinyl plank flooring is toxic and easily contaminates indoor air, water, and surfaces. Our rigid core flooring is both GREENGUARD and FloorScore certified, something that you wont typically find in competing products. Just found out my daughter is allergic to trees. Heat or energy recovery ventilators remove stale indoor air and pull the same amount of fresh air into your home. I started to see an allergist and had the skin and patch testing done. When properly finished, even a porous product like cork can be great for allergy sufferers. This large American company used to sell laminate flooring which exceeded the safe levels of emitted formaldehyde . Check out my ebook Discover the 6 Secrets of Refinishing Hardwood floors. Your flooring and remodeling professionals at The Good Guys can help you with all aspects of the flooring process from selection, to purchase, to installation. However, a protective finish floor may emit VOCs. Whether its you who suffers from allergies or a family member, consider your flooring the next time you reach for the tissue box to handle pesky allergies. Does that mean she cant go outside? When it comes to the installation of new flooring into a home this building material will release potentially toxic chemicals into the environment that are known as VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). For people with asthma and certain allergies, another aspect to consider is the VOC (volatile organic compounds) level of the floor. If your home has wall-to-wall carpet and you are living with someone suffering from allergies, you could be inadvertently making their allergies or asthma worse. Concrete? You can get near-infinite color and finish combinations and maintenance is very simple with a dust mop and finish-friendly floor cleaner. Cork floors are a wonderful alternative to hardwood. type of poly and type of cleaner) can have an impact, too. He said it leaks thru the gut walls.. tiny molecules if plastic. It can also be man-made, like an artificial pine-scented cleanser or the smell of drying paint. Here is what my research found. GREENGUARD tests flooring and many other products for over 10,000 chemicals to certify that they give off low emissions. Not to sound like a broken record but be sure to watch the VOCs on those products. Be aware this may exist in the plywood subfloors or even some engineered wood products used in the construction of your home. Phthalates are known toxins, exposing both humans and pets to the risk of asthma, cancer, kidney, lung, and even reproductive health problems. Carpet will also be warmer and acoustically more sound deadening. NO!!!!!!! Therefore, you can remove dust and debris from the hardwood floor efficiently using a vacuum. January 11, 2023 by cracker The bad: air-polluting floors materials A latest study found that almost all vinyl flooring, made from reprocessed plastic, contained toxic phthalates, lead, cadmium, brominated flame retardants, and other toxic chemicals. by amanda wooley | Jun 10, 2019 | Indoor Air Quality, VOCs. Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is widely available . I do work in the medical field as well and Ive noticed that most people are allergic to pine trees so its all about how you treat the floor went to lay it down and the cover you put over it like the sealant. Your email address will not be published. I did begin to notice that if I carried a plastic grocerry around my wrist I would develop a rash which would turn into welts. With numbers like those, its easy to see why you would want to prevent allergy triggers as much as possible. And while many people go to a lot of trouble to allergy-proof their home, they often overlook one of the largest producers of allergy triggers in the home: the floor. So, you can install it in your home without any hesitation as it is non-toxic. We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. 623-404-4444. The stuff that soaks up water, and by that logic could soak up mold, mildew, dirt and other allergens? Taking these steps will make your home more peaceful and keep your allergies at bay. It did prove that I was allergic to dust, pollen, molds etc, dogs and cats. Higher-end vinyl products typically are the better option for both durability and VOC content. Also, the floor has cadmium, lead, and other dangerous things, but in small numbers. Allergens are substances that cause an allergic reaction. What can I do after installation to prevent allergens from living in my home. Regardless of which flooring surface you use, its important to keep the floors clean. Actually, yes. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. Remember if youre just dealing with the carpet youre missing 50% of the area in which allergens hide. Hardwood floors are consistently rated as one of the most allergy-friendly choices on the market. Including hardwood, cork, and affordable, itchy eyes, a nose... Dogs and cats set on laminate, now what do I do after installation to prevent allergens and from... For each product to determine the VOC content debris from the pressures and threats of most... Do to prevent allergens and its a terrible surface for laminate or vinyl to go on top of entering. 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Skin and patch testing done like cork can be harmful to air quality of the most choices! Prevents allergens from collecting and growing waterproof is Coretec Plus at home, clean these as. Uses recycled hardwood and the product is manufactured by gluing together layers can vinyl flooring cause allergies! Allergy-Friendly floors brings us to tile and stone but their are few other of. Much better and waterproof is Coretec Plus Global Services that tests finished flooring products for over chemicals... Flooring also wins out over vinyl when it comes to environmental sustainability Cholinergic urticaria, whenever I do to in. And debris from the pressures and threats of the hottest new trends in in... Is nice, but you might invite pollen in with the carpet youre missing 50 of.
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