Hardwood flooring and allergy sufferers?

Hardwood flooring and allergy sufferers?

This entry was posted on February 18, 2019 by Chris Elliott

Hardwood flooring can be a great choice for anyone that has an allergy sufferer in the family or living in their household. There are many different types of allergies, so for the purpose of this article, I am referring to allergies related to airborne particles, like asthma. Clearly, if you suffer from eczema, a food allergy, or anaphylaxis, your choice of flooring will not really make a difference to your condition.

However, it will provide you with a beautiful, easy to clean and hygienic floor that will keep dust mites and other allergens away. Allergies can be extremely frustrating to those who they affect, but more importantly they can be life threatening if not controlled properly. Allergyuk.org suggest that the UK has some of the highest rates of allergy sufferers in the entire world.  In the UK they claim that over 44% of British adults are suffering from at least one allergy. 

 

How can your choice of flooring affect allergy sufferers?

Your choice of flooring can greatly affect allergy sufferers.  Carpets and rugs can harbour allergens, such as dust, dirt and pet hairs.  By having a hardwood floor, there is nowhere for allergens to hide and thrive. Having an allergy like asthma, can greatly affect everyday activities.  If the allergy is severe, the initial symptoms can happen within a few minutes of being exposed to a particular trigger. 

Typical symptoms include the following: sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, watery and/or itchy eyes, wheezing or coughing, shortness of breath and sometimes an itchy, red rash. There are many triggers for asthma.  The NHS website suggests that they include: pollen, allergens, dust mites, animal fur (dander), mould, damp, and even some chemicals used in the production of carpets and rugs. Carpets and rugs can prove difficult to clean thoroughly.  Even a modern, high powered vacuum cleaner cannot remove all of the dust and dirt. With a hardwood floor, you are able to easily keep it clean. Consequently, dust mites and dander have nowhere to hide.

To understand more about the causes and triggers for asthma, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/causes/ Or www.asthma.org.uk/advice/triggers/

 

How can hardwood flooring help an allergy sufferer?

Hardwood flooring is the perfect option if you or someone in your family suffers from allergies.  The solid surface of the wooden floor means that dust, dirt and animal hair can easily been seen and swept away immediately.  Wooden floors are easy to clean.  Have a look at our Maintenance and Care Guide for more information. Other great flooring options for allergy sufferers are:

• Laminate flooring

• Luxury Vinyl Tile

• Bamboo Flooring

 

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