However, prolonged exposure to this chemical may lead to several health issues like reproductive health issues. Even with daily vacuuming, carpets can pick up and hold more dust and allergens than a hardwood or laminate floor. It is so horribletopical benedryl works but I cannot do that for the rest of my life.Maybe I can give up food shopping.hehe. Be aware this may exist in the plywood subfloors or even some engineered wood products used in the construction of your home. Lots of more affordable rug pad possibilities are made using one of those plastic known as PVC. Many of the microscopic allergens we discussed are trapped and even furthered with carpet. These chemicals have been associated with critical healthiness issues, including respiratory problems, neurological issues, epidermis irritation, and cancer. 1. As with any potential new flooring job, our search for allergy-friendly floors brings us to tile and stone. I have lived with dogs and cats my whole life and when I am around them I do not break out. An allergen can be eaten, inhaled into your lungs, injected into your body or simply something you touched. 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. Can vinyl flooring cause allergies? This type of flooring can be found in a range of finishes and comes from a variety of different wood species. Dust mites, dirt, and moisture (MOLD!!!) GREENGUARD tests flooring and many other products for over 10,000 chemicals to certify that they give off low emissions. After vinyl flooring is installed inside of your home, the chemicals that are released from the flooring into the air will off gas and create a pungent odor in the environment. Hi there, Solid wood, bamboo or eucalyptus flooring would be excellent allergy friendly floors. 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. Your partners at The Good Guys can help with navigating some of these tricky allergy-free products. Luxury vinyl plank and vinyl tile flooring are one of the hottest new trends in flooring in recent years. Make sure the concrete is prepared with low VOC products prior to staining/finishing, and have it properly sealed with a low-VOC or VOC-free sealer for extra life and worry-free maintenance. Can you be allergic to vinyl flooring? Vinyl flooring will also produce other hazardous chemicals into the air from the adhesives that are used to install the flooring. You can install it in your home to get rid of VOCs. However, as phthalates are used during the final production, it may emit VOCs that may be harmful to human health. Be sure to check the VOC content of both the flooring (due largely to its petroleum base) and (for glue-down options) the adhesive used to install it, as these can be potent sources of allergy-inducing fumes. However, this type of flooring could be toxic flooring in your home that will release toxic chemicals into the air. These adhesives will contain lead and other VOCs that once it becomes acclimated to room temperature will turn into a gas and consequently off gas into the air. The EnviroKlenz Mobile Air System is the ideal air purifier for a wide variety of airborne pollutants that can be found in your air from allergens, noxious odors, chemicals, and microorganisms. The only meds that seem to alleviate the itch and hives are prednisone and benadryl- which I cannot live on. The tile and linoleum are better options for wet and moist areas such as bathrooms and mudrooms. Honestly, vinyl plank flooring has minimum health issues. Treating a mud mite hypersensitive reaction antihistamines, along with Allegra or Claritin, can help relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itching. That is a great recommendation. Is Cleaning Products Safe for Vinyl Planks? On the other hand, you can find non-toxic flooring options like Linoleum and Carpet to relieve this problem. What are the pros and cons of engineered hardwood? Linoleum. Though we are not allergic, but their are few other benefits of vinyl flooring too. Could it be possible that the plastic particles is getting in my track and reacting?? Hang on to your antihistamines, this piece will give you everything youve ever wanted to know about selecting the best allergy-friendly flooring. Hardwood supplies e.g. felt pads, vent covers, Hardwood supplies e.g. Why is Renting Furniture a Smart Decision? Off-gassing materials emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and small particulate substances throughout the life of the material. That base layer is often man-made materials bonded together with a chemical adhesive. Phone | 239.330.9650 Especially in the home. Is vinyl flooring toxic? You can get near-infinite color and finish combinations and maintenance is very simple with a dust mop and finish-friendly floor cleaner. Like sturdy hardwood, cork and bamboo are allergy-friendly healthy floors options. Best Mop for Vinyl Plank Floors It did prove that I was allergic to dust, pollen, molds etc, dogs and cats. I'm cursed. Those dwelling with asthma or hypersensitivity symptoms have traditionally been told to take away all carpet in the home due to the fact carpet traps allergens. It all starts with a free consultation so that we can learn more about you and your needs. If you research the best floors for allergies, youll find consistently that hard surface flooring are the safest floors for allergies. How do I stop my windows from sweating in the winter? Your safe harbor from the pressures and threats of the day-to-day outside world. Has the floor been tested for harmful chemicals? As far as deep pile carpet, it does need almost daily vacuming to keep dust and soil out of it. Your email address will not be published. FloorScore is a certification from SCS Global Services that tests finished flooring products for 35 individual VOC emissions (including formaldehyde). 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. It consists of a melamine resin formaldehyde, which is often close to the surface of the laminate. Loved your piece.. 2420 McIver Lane, Ste 102Carrollton, TX 75006, Use left/right arrows to navigate the slideshow or swipe left/right if using a mobile device, more than 50 million people in the United States experience allergies each year, Best (& Worst) Flooring for Allergies & Asthma, Engineered Hardwood contains several layers of actual wood, Hardwood floors are consistently rated as one of the most allergy-friendly choices on the market, concrete is a very allergy-friendly flooring option, choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Common culprits include citrus fruits, raw onions, garlic, tomatoes, peppers and chillies. If you opt for a laminate or vinyl product, try to select an option that has low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and be cognizant of the adhesive used. According to the AAFA, an allergy is a reaction within your immune system to a foreign substance in or in contact with your body. In fact, one of the reasons homeowners go for vinyl floor is because of how easy it is to install. If your vinyl floor comes from an old plastic material, be sure it will contain phthalates that make the floor soft. Although vinyl plank floors have exceptional qualities, they do have some disadvantages. Bamboo Floors - Touted as one of the most allergy friendly floors, bamboo floors can work well for allergy sufferers. During the production of materials such as vinyl, the use of chemicals within this item will lead to a process that will occur in this indoor space called off-gassing. With numbers like those, its easy to see why you would want to prevent allergy triggers as much as possible. At present, the manufacturer companies stop using phthalates and provide phthalate-free LVP floor. Carpet will also be warmer and acoustically more sound deadening. Be sure to choose ones that are easy to keep and are right for the type of lighting your room gets. Those chemical compounds can make a contribution to indoor air pollution by way of drifting out of the floors and into the air and dust within homes. I had gone through your article and many others as i just got my house constructed. Come by today and see how we can help you make your house feel even more like home. Why is vinyl flooring hazardous? PVC is hazardous to both the environment and human health. The results of the aforementioned study actually show how vinyl floors were considered to be toxic. 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. Like the certifications we talked about, there are other third-party certifications for other types of products like EnergyStar, Green Seal, and FSC International. Is Cleaning Products Safe for Vinyl Planks? Vinyl floors is accessible in a wide selection of color and pattern options. Vinyl flooring is made from phthalates mixed with additives; plasticizers, stabilizers, pigments, and fillers. Hardwood floors is an additional amazing option for hypersensitivity sufferers. Do you have any sort of wood in your house or furniture? Your email address will not be published. Thats allergy-friendly? Ceramic Tile. The hives and welts kept coming and were getting worse. However, especially when it comes to vinyl, you get what you pay for, and lower end vinyl flooring is often manufactured with VOCs which create emissions and hence an allergen risk or other breathing challenges. This will help keep allergens like dust mites, and mold at bay. I hope everything works out well for you in your home. In addition to trapping the allergens, when you walk on the carpet, vacuum, or disturb the carpet in any way, you could be sending more allergens back into the air. Its also wise to stay awayfrom lower end products as those tend to have more chemicals and fumes. Stained Concrete. My company has been in business 36 years. If so, feel free to buy me a coffee and support my blog. This guidebook shares insights and knowledge from the Eckard's family's more than 50 years of experience in the home and commercial flooring business. What does the ghost do to Hamlet in Act 1 Scene 4? Avoid laminate, vinyl flooring and synthetic carpeting. Laminate floors is more largely used in other rooms of the home, yet its an affordable alternative for kitchen flooring. One of the worst offenders in allergy magnets for your home is carpeting. However, a protective finish floor may emit VOCs. Higher-end vinyl products typically are the better option for both durability and VOC content. https://theflooringgirl.com/blog/review-coretec-plus-luxury-vinyl-waterproof-hardwood-planks.html. If youre interested in buying some cork flooring online, check out US Floors Natural Cork line. Mold, mildew, dust, dust mites, pet dander, pollen, dirt, grass, leaves, and even chemicals. These toxic chemicals can be harmful to air quality of the immediate environment it's installed in and may cause respiratory problems over time. Be sure to check the levels and presence of one particular VOC: Formaldehyde. As a general rule, carpeting is the worst choice for allergies while wood or cork flooring are the best selections. Does eliminating carpet certainly assist allergies? Surprisingly, the vinyl floor is not harmful to human health unless you are exposed to it heavily. Do you think that putting vinyl or laminate over existing (relatively thin) carpet would work? Waterproof floors are one of the easiest flooring surfaces to clean. Itching of the nose, eyes or roof of the mouth. 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. An advantage of waterproof flooring is that many come in loose lay or click lock constructions that do not require adhesive. I hope that helps. And allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. It can trap bacteria and allergens and its a terrible surface for laminate or vinyl to go on top of. Most floors will give off some level of VOCs, even natural hardwood floors. 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. In addition to being a design and flooring option increasing in popularity, when treated properly and decoratively finished, concrete is a very allergy-friendly flooring option. 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]. I recently had adopted 2 kittens, so I thought maybe it was flea bites, but it was not. Complete this simple form to get started. They are natural, renewable resources, that like anything in nature omits some VOCs, however, they pale in comparison to those contained in (brace for a surprise!) My daughters are allergic to Willow and oak trees. In the Spring I began to get hives/welts and little red dots that would appear on my skin of my arms and legs that were exposed. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American (AAFA), as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 50 million people in the United States experience allergies each year. Laminate floors is more advantageous in terms of fading. Most of it is phthalate-free now though phthalates were replaced with alternate plasticizers. She manages the creative aspects of the marketing department such as the website, social media, emails, and print marketing. BTW, an alternative to laminate, which is much better and waterproof is Coretec Plus. When properly finished, even a porous product like cork can be great for allergy sufferers. Here are six tips to reduce allergens throughout your home: Control indoor temperature and humidity. If you have seasonal allergies, its especially important to dust and sweep regularly when pollen is at its high. For example, a website that ranks on Google First page uses this, to ensure phthalate increases the risk of allergies for children, How to protect yourself from the toxic vinyl floor. Accordingly, whats the best floors for somebody with allergies? Pet hair itself is not an allergen. More on LivingProofMag If possible, replace carpet with tile, vinyl flooring, or wood . What is the finest medication for dirt allergy? 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. Cork. However, as it emits a level of VOC, it may be dangerous to your health and cause asthma or other issues. Now, you may ask- do you want to say vinyl flooring has no side effects? Hardwood flooring is an excellent choice for those with asthma or allergies since its easy to clean and maintain. I would think, but I could be wrong, that would products would be okay as they dont have pollen, etc. The scent can be natural, as from a pine tree or a fresh orange. All those adhesives and man-made materials are potential sources of allergens. How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring? This makes them incredibly easy to clean, which is especially helpful during allergy season. Known for its durability and natural beauty, hardwood flooring adds value and luxury to any room. In this guide, we are going to break down everything associate with the term like: So, lets dive into this guide right here. Laminate is a manufactured product and contains limited natural materials. However, prolonged exposure to this chemical may lead to several health issues like reproductive health issues. The majority of laminate plank and rigid-core vinyl flooring products require click-lock and floating installation, eliminating the need for adhesives. To a non-allergy sufferer, the flooring in your home may come as an afterthought. Laminate flooring, like vinyl plank, is likewise tremendously long lasting and is a good choice for residences with infants and pets. These emissions are caused by a variety of factors, like the adhesive and finishes used with the floor. I am in Atlanta, GA. Anupa You may want to look into a pre-finished wood. My question is how do I verify this allergy- is there a test- and how do I treat it??? Thanks. Waterproof floors (sheet vinyl, LVT, and LVP) are a great option for those who need a durable floor that wont upset their allergies. Some VOCs may not produce an odor at all. Required fields are marked *. In this article, we are going to discuss the disadvantages of vinyl flooring, the chemicals that it releases into the air, and how you can effectively remove the chemical pollutants produced from vinyl flooring out of your homes air after installation. So, still, is vinyl flooring toxic? Spoiler Alert: Carpet is the worst. Additionally, loose lay waterproof floors perform well in flood-prone areas, like basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. Thus, Vinyl plank flooring is toxic and easily contaminates indoor air, water, and surfaces. Your home is your castle. Humans absorb this chemical through contact with vinyl, as well as through the affected food we eat. The stuff that soaks up water, and by that logic could soak up mold, mildew, dirt and other allergens? Thus, Vinyl plank flooring is toxic and easily contaminates indoor air, water, and surfaces. You may get a cold a few times a year, but those are not allergies. 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