Why Carpeting Is Offlimits For Asthmatics

Carpeting is off-limits for asthmatics, because of the amount of particulate matter that gets imbedded in the fibers. Especially dangerous is wet or damp carpeting, which acts as a breeding ground for mold. Dust mites also live in carpeting, especially in the bedroom. Multiple studies have documented that the higher the dust-mite concentration, the greater the risk of asthma. One Australian study found that the risk of asthma doubled for every doubling in the concentration of dust-mite allergen in sensitized individuals, and another study found that the presence of dust mites increased the risk of asthma nearly eight times.

 

Ideally, if you have asthma, your home should be carpet-free. Wood, tile, and stone flooring look wonderful, but can be expensive (there are laminated products that look like the real thing and are less pricey); linoleum is another option. If you already have wood, stone, tile, or linoleum floors, make sure you clean them with a damp mop regularly. You can also use an "electrostatic" dust cloth (such as Dust Grabber) that redistributes fewer allergens back into the air.

 

If you insist on carpeting, try area rugs and thoroughly clean them monthly. If you have wall-to-wall carpeting that you either will not or cannot remove, keep your carpet meticulously clean by vacuuming at least once a week and becoming a fanatic about source control.

 

Vacuuming a carpet is perhaps one of the most dangerous activities an asthmatic can perform. Every time you vacuum, you disperse into the air millions of bits of particulate pollution that can irritate your lungs. Complicating the problem is that standard vacuum-cleaner bags don't trap smaller particles (ten to twenty microns) and spew them back into the air. Even "water-based" vacuum cleaners only trap particles often microns or more. You might consider a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.

One study examined sixty homes to measure how well high-efficiency vacuum cleaners removed cat, dog, and dust-mite allergens. While the authors found a "significant reduction" in cat dander and a modest reduction in dog dander, the vacuums did not significantly reduce dust-mite allergens. This study did, however, report that peak flow, FEV1, and asthma symptoms improved after twelve months of using a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner. Interestingly, the study concluded that this improvement was "primarily achieved in those patients with cat sensitivity, but who did not possess a cat themselves." What this means is that your neighbor's cat dander is floating through the air and landing in your house. Studies on school dust have found that it contains high levels of dog and cat allergens. Obviously a surprise to the superintendent who thought he was running a school and not a kennel—apparently, the animal dander was brought into the school on the children's clothing and shoes. So, if you think your home is safe from dog and cat dander, think again and consider getting a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner.

 

There's no reason in the world for an asthmatic to vacuum a carpet. It is this doctor's order that when your carpet is being vacuumed, you leave the house. Make sure all windows are left open and your home is ventilated during and after vacuuming. The same advice applies to cleaning furniture, drapery, and carpeted and noncarpeted flooring, as well as to changing bed linens. Ventilating your home while cleaning helps disperse particulate pollution outside. Considering the value of your health, it may pay to hire someone to clean your home.

 

If you must vacuum, use a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner and make sure it is regularly serviced so that all its seals and connections remain airtight. An alternative to the traditional vacuum cleaner is a steam cleaner or vacuum cleaners that use steam to kill mites. Research comparing simple vacuuming to steam cleaning is scant, but one study from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences found that steam cleaning plus vacuuming and vacuuming alone resulted in a significant reduction in carpet dust-mite allergens. Another study reported that carpet steam cleaning coupled with steam-heat cleaning of bedding and mattresses lowered dust-mite concentrations and resulted in a fourfold reduction of bronchial hyperreactivity in asthmatics. If you use a steam cleaner, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, as an overly wet carpet can promote mold and mildew, houseguests no asthmatic needs.

 

New carpeting is double-trouble for asthmatics. Not only will new carpet serve as a future allergen reservoir, but many asthmatics find the smell of new carpeting particularly bothersome. If you buy new carpeting, insist that the retailer unroll and ventilate the carpet prior to installation, and avoid using adhesives that emit noxious fumes. Also, bear in mind that carpeting directly applied to concrete often has moisture problems, especially basement carpeting. If you must carpet over concrete, insist on a moisture barrier. Try not to glue carpeting to the floor in case it becomes damaged and needs to be replaced or you decide to have it removed. The day the carpet is installed is a good day to be away. Finally, remember to completely ventilate your home for two to three days after carpet installation to help remove noxious fumes.