Can Hypoallergenic Flooring Reduce Your Allergy Symptoms?

By Kristie Leong M.D., published Feb 07, 2008
Published Content: 1,248  Total Views: 677,908  Favorited By: 168 CPs
Rating: 3.9 of 5
If you suffer from allergies, you may have taken steps to remove the obvious sources of allergens in your home. But, what about your flooring? The flooring you choose from your home can have a definite impact on your allergy symptoms.

You're probably already aware of the potential for carpeting to harbor allergens such as dust and dust mites. These tiny dust mites that take up residence in your beautiful carpeting can produce up to three hundred eggs during their life time. This means lots more little dust mites to exacerbate your sneezing and runny nose. Fortunately, you do have an alternative. There are various types of hypoallergenic flooring that provide a viable alternative to conventional carpeting for allergy sufferers:

Hypoallergenic flooring: Ceramic tile

This is hard surface is one of the most hypoallergenic of all flooring possibilities. In fact, ceramic flooring is the number one choice of those who suffer from allergies. The hard, slick surface provided by ceramic tile reduces its ability to collect dust, mold, or other allergens. The biggest drawback to this form of flooring is that it can be cold and uncomfortable against bare feet which may restrict its use to certain rooms. Glass tiles are also available but these tend to be more expensive than its ceramic counterparts.

Hypoallergenic flooring: Cork

Cork flooring is another environmentally friendly source of flooring for allergy sufferers. Cork's surface characteristics prevent dust absorption which can precipitate allergy symptoms. Plus, cork is quite durable and comfortable against bare feet. In addition, it doesn't contain toxic substances found in some flooring and carpeting, making it an ideal choice for allergy sufferers who are health and environmentally conscious.

Hypoallergenic flooring: Linoleum

Linoleum flooring provides another smooth surface which doesn't promote accumulation of dust or allergens. If you suffer from allergies and plan to install linoleum flooring, use a low-VOC glue to attach the flooring. Otherwise, you could suffer from an allergic reaction to the adhesive.

Hypoallergenic flooring: Wood

Can Hypoallergenic Flooring Reduce Your Allergy Symptoms?

Is your choice of carpeting or flooring making your allergy symptoms worse?

Credit: SXC

Copyright: SXC

Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 8 of 8
 
 
Great info! My husband suffers from allergies and we are slowing removing all the carpeting from the house and replacing it with hard flooring. Our first floor is now all hard wood floors or linoleum and it's amazing how much better he is.

Posted on 02/11/2008 at 11:02:03 PM

 
I know this can be a problem for many folks... I tend to get headaches in buildings with new carpeting in it. Good job!

Posted on 02/09/2008 at 6:02:29 PM

 
Good information.

Posted on 02/08/2008 at 5:02:01 PM

 
Very informative!!!

Posted on 02/08/2008 at 4:02:30 PM

 
Great info! :-D

Posted on 02/07/2008 at 12:02:04 PM

 
Lots of good info here Kristie!

Posted on 02/07/2008 at 11:02:12 AM

 
Very informative! :-)I have some allergies to dust, etc...

Posted on 02/07/2008 at 11:02:09 AM

 
very informative awesome job on this. really good info.

Posted on 02/07/2008 at 9:02:13 AM

Type in Your Comments Below - (1000 characters left)
Your name:

Submit your own content on this or any topic. Get started »
Showing Comments 1 - 8 of 8
 
Most Commented On