Allergens buried in carpet fibers can cause problems for children and adults alike. Common examples of these allergens include dust, dander, skin mites, insect parts, pollen, and mold.
Carpet allergy symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy or red eyes, skin rashes or hives, wheezing or difficulty breathing, and coughing. In severe cases, asthma attacks can be triggered. These symptoms are a reaction to dust mites or mold trapped in the carpet.
As they engage in tummy time and eventually learn to crawl, they may be breathing in carpet chemicals that can be harmful to their health. Carpets can often trap allergens and pollutants ranging from pet dander and dust to dirt, pesticides, and even mould spores.
"Carpeting is an incredible sink for dust, mold, and mildew -- and those all can trigger asthma in children," says Landrigan. Pesticides, pet dander, lead dust, and chemicals from cleaners and other household products can settle into the fibers.
Toxic Emissions
In the last several years, there have been hundreds, perhaps thousands, of instances in which people became ill after new carpeting was installed in their homes, work- places, or schools. Commonly reported symptoms in- clude eye, nose, and throat irritation, rashes, and fatigue.
After a new carpet is installed, it goes through a period of off-gassing, which is the process of these chemicals being released. Typical reactions to new carpet VOCs and PFCAs include headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, and asthmatic reactions.
Common bacteria found in carpets include E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria can cause a range of illnesses if ingested or inhaled, including food poisoning, respiratory infections, and skin infections like athlete's foot.
If a large area is covered in carpet, it may be very difficult to remove indoor air pollutants and allergens. Children are more likely to be exposed to pollution in carpets and rugs. They spend time playing on the floor and place their hands in their mouths.
Wool Carpet for Nurseries
A natural fiber wool carpet is a great choice. It's a way to avoid exposure to most, if not all synthetic materials. It has a natural soil and stain resistance, and it retains its color over years of wear and cleaning.
Overall, most carpet cleaners use methods and solutions that are safe for babies but some methods are safer than others and when it comes to your newborn baby you don't want to take chances.
Remove carpeting and use hardwood or linoleum flooring and washable area rugs. If that isn't an option, use low-pile instead of high-pile carpeting and vacuum weekly with a vacuum cleaner that has a small-particle or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Shampoo the carpet often.
Infants were encouraged to crawl on hardwood, carpet, joint mat, and tatami. Faster crawling rate was associated with a higher cadence. Hardwood flooring may hinder smooth crawling motion and performance.
Allergens buried in carpet fibers can cause problems for children and adults alike. Common examples of these allergens include dust, dander, skin mites, insect parts, pollen, and mold.
Most of the time, carpet beetle rashes look like random red dots on the skin. Bed Bugs — If you have wounds from bed bugs, they will look like bites, not bumps. If there is swelling, it can be minor or major depending on several factors. When bed bugs first infest a home, bites are usually minor and not noticeable.
It's thought that carpets can continue to release some VOCs for five years (or more) and, in fact, time is the only way for an item to eventually release and disperse VOCs. However, there are a few things you can do to reduce and manage the effects of off-gassing.
While carpets are a great option to help keep a room padded and baby-friendly, it's best to install a new carpet early and give it a good clean before the baby arrives. This is due to that “new carpet smell” which adults recognize and easily forget about, but which can be much more troubling for babies.
Nylon is a silk-like thermoplastic which is resistant to mildew, moisture, dust, and dirt, making nylon carpets excellent for allergies and asthmatic people. Plus, they are easy to clean and maintain, and resist crushing, matting, and staining.
Carpets made from natural fibers like wool or sisal generally have lower VOC emissions. Additionally, we recommend that you look for synthetic carpets made with low-VOC materials and adhesives.
Dust and vacuum once or twice a week to remove the buildup of allergens. Use a dry cloth to wipe hard surfaces such as countertops, tables, and other furniture. Vacuum the carpets and cloth-covered furniture to get rid of as much dust as you can.
Synthetic Chemicals
Most carpet is made from synthetic fibers, usually nylon and polypropylene. Both materials are made from non-renewable petroleum and emit harmful VOCs into the air.