is berber carpet good for allergies

Berber Carpeting and AllergiesAllergies are one of the biggest health concerns for people. If you’re allergic to the materials your carpet is made of, removing it may be your best, most comfortable option. After two years though, the VOC’s should be gone. As such, Berber carpets constructed using both natural and synthetic products are now being produced. Quality Berber carpet is a nylon or wood variety. Berber or Carpet? Filed Under Interior Environment | 4 Comments. If you absolutely have to have carpet, go for a low pile carpet like berber carpeting, or a natural material like sisal. The off-gassing of carpets and synthetic material greatly reduces indoor air quality. If you have a particularly soiled area of carpet, treat it separately, before steam-cleaning. Carpet Fiber Material. These are much better for allergy sufferers because the materials repel allergens. Hi Charlie, Started wearing shoes and then went on vacation for a couple of days and now itching and burning in my feet is gone. Quality Berber carpet is a nylon or wood variety. The carpet industry wants to make sure that consumers continue purchasing carpets, while the health care community continues to search for causes of increased occurrence of asthma and allergies. While carpetology doesn’t specifically address Berber carpet, you can find a host of useful information about carpets and allergies. It is a rental so I can’t rip it out…Thanks flooring lady! Taking a look at different angles of the complaints is a good way to start. Best Way To Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring And What Tools To Use, How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring on Concrete – Step-By-Step Guide. Carpeting in the bedroom can be especially problematic because it exposes you to carpet dust throughout the night. It is believed that this exacerbates the symptoms of these conditions. Taking a look at different angles of the complaints is a good way to start. Taking a look at different angles of the complaints is a good way to start. Even the Mayo Clinic continues to make this current recommendation: Of course, some maintenance of your carpet is require… Carpet is the biggest flooring no-no when it comes to people with allergies. As such, Berber carpets constructed using both natural and synthetic products are now being produced. Selecting allergy free Berber carpet is thus made easy! Granted, this reduces the opportunity for those nasty little things to circulate in the air, where you can breathe them in and suffer a perpetually runny nose, but every step on that carpet sends tiny clouds of particles back into the air. But there are numerous complaints surfacing with Berber carpeting with regards to allergies. There are many items that can cause an allergic reaction due to the material that they are made of or the chemicals that are used to make them. Yes, I do recommend carpet pad that helps with allergens, there are other brands too. Carpetology outlines similar myths and facts as uncovered here, plus includes more links and articles for further information. Hi Heidi, I don’t think you’ll have a problem finding products. With that in mind, is there a link between… I have allergies and I am getting ready to move into an apartment. Any idea where I can buy formaldehyde free carpets and pads in the Chicago area? If you are a person with allergies, it is totally understandable on your dismay when we say installing allergy free Berber carpets is now possible! These carpets are safe to use in your flooring , but you must check if you or any family member is allergic to any component used in making the carpet. You should use your A/C or open windows to encourage the carpet to dry fully. Can get matted: Over time, the loops can look matted and worn. The short answer is yes, but with precautions. This is a beautiful carpet from the nuLOOM company. Hard-surface flooring such as vinyl, tile or wood is much easier to keep free of dust mites, pollen, pet dander and other allergens. But the question is, do these complaints have legitimate basis? If the carpeting is two years old, I doubt that it should be causing problems. There’s not much of any way to test the carpet itself, but you might be able to find out from the manufacturer what VOC’s it may contain. Carpet is also a good option because of it’s ability to lessen the effects of allergies. But the question is, do these complaints have legitimate basis? I have to agree – there’s no telling what your child could be reacting to and you’re being very smart to worry about chemicals. I hope the red bumps go away soon. If the landlord chose to not pad the carpet make sure you aren’t held responsible for it wearing out quickly. Using cleaners that don’t have chemicals is the way to go. Carpets should be considered on an individual basis, taking into consideration the health concerns and sensitivities of each individual. Make sure that your carpeting choice is natural fiber rather than a PET product (petroleum based, made from recycled plastics, etc.). In most cases, if you believe that you are allergic to berber, it is because allergens have set up residence in your carpeting, including mold, mildew, dust mites, other particles etc. Berber is a very versatile carpet style and can work with many types of decor. But there are numerous complaints surfacing with Berber carpeting with regards to allergies. To keep your indoor air quality good, you should clean and vacuum any floor covering on a regular basis. If you or a family member suffers from allergies, then I am sure that you are very careful about what you bring into your home. In terms of vacuums, we’d caution you to use vacuums without power heads and beater bars, as these heads are strong enough to grab any loose strands or snags and unravel them. There could be other things going on the child is reacting to, but start using vinegar and baking soda for your cleaning to help lower your family’s exposure to toxic chemicals. Many people claim to be allergic to this kind of carpet, but it may not be the “Berber” they are allergic to. Common mistakes -- shampooing carpets or using heavily scented cleaners -- could make your allergies worse, not better. floor and have It is possible that the VOC’s contribute to various respiratory problems. Berber carpet creates a nubby texture with complete yarn loops that stand upright. Once installed, keep the room well ventilated to allow the gases to escape the room. Don McCracken on By planning ahead, you are better able to eliminate some of the issues that can cause health problems and by vacuuming and professionally cleaning your carpets regularly, you can take care of further issues. However, here is a unique option to have these carpets as a part of your home décor and not face allergies too. The tightly woven loops have a tendency to retain moisture longer than cut pile counterparts. Padding under carpet is essential to not only your comfort but also to the carpets longevity. I have home Sellers always asking me what increases you home value more? Flooring Lady, I have never had allergies in my life but replaced some carpeting a few years ago and suddenly began having allergy type symptoms. The good news … Good luck! Snags: If a loop gets caught, it can break and even tear out of the carpet’s backing. Historically, the term refers to hand-knotted rugs and carpets from the Berber … Related:  Check out our Best Berber Carpet article! Actually, the opposite is true. Keep away allergies caused by organic compounds by shifting to more natural and less chemical cleaners or go for installing allergy free Berber carpets. If the carpet is still in very good shape you might want to try using a shop-vac on it. Unlike synthetic materials like nylon, it won't off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOC's), so sisal carpets and rugs will contribute to the air quality of your home. With that in mind, is there a link between… People with Asthma and Allergies Can Enjoy Carpet, Too A misperception is that people with asthma and allergies should avoid carpet in the home. The loops of Berber carpet tend to wear better than the cut pile of plush carpet. According to Jonathan Bernstein, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Cincinnati in the Division of Immunology and Allergy, “floor coverings are a major reservoir for indoor and outdoor allergens, including animal dander and dust mites.” The article continues by outlining various ways to reduce the allergy inducing qualities of carpets by: In a report titled “Carpet, Asthma and Allergies – Myth or Reality,” noted toxologist Dr. Mitchell Saueroff, makes a comparative analysis of several recent studies about carpets and allergens. Now that I’m older, I know we can live in a house without carpet, or we can ask a dealer to show us (a very narrow selection) of carpets without the solution. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) can be released by any kind of carpeting and padding you install in your home or office. The most common snag culprits are vacuums, high heels and pet claws. I doubt that it will, but you don’t want to be responsible for paying for a new carpet. These emissions are evident in a foul smell, but often they aren’t evident at all. These are some of the alternative solutions you can opt when you are installing allergy free Berber carpets. However, (as you may have already guessed), some consideration should be taken regarding how wet the carpet becomes during cleaning. I also noticed an unbelievable amount of dust. Some states require that the carpeting is to be cleaned before a new tenant moves in, you might want to check into that as well. Shoes in the house? They may find there is a way to have the beauty of this classic carpeting in their homes if they so desire by finding out what. The carpets come in traditional and modern designs, which are distinguished by different knotting patterns, dyes and fabric textures. Learn how your comment data is processed. After many doctor visits I was told it could be the formaldehyde in my carpet. A 15 year research study has found that carpet is shown to alleviate allergy and asthma symptoms by possibly trapping allergens and preventing them from becoming airborne. Allergist? I just developed a sort of contact dermatitis to the carpet I think. I have two choices. Please try in an area that’s not noticeable first, just in case the shop-vac’s suction is too strong and unravels the berber. Have you tried moving your son back downstairs temporarily to see if his health conditions clear up any? What should I do different this time when looking for carpet? While you don’t need a degree to find the best Berber carpet brands, it’s important to understand how the carpet is made and the difference between traditional and manufactured Berber as well. Hi Lil, I know within a good 5 or 10 minutes of walking barefoot on a carpet if this solution has been added. Here are some ways to keep your house clean and your allergies under control. Carpet has long been regarded as the enemy when it comes to allergies and asthma. Taking a look at different angles of the complaints is a good way to start. However, it is then essential to vacuum regularly with a CRI-approved vacuum to further contain the particles. Our carpet is about 5 years old and has only been vacuumed. I would also make sure that other floor surfaces are cleaned well, since you are unaware of what the previous renters have used. The most effective allergy-controlling carpet fibers are nylon. Is it the Berber carpet or something in or under your carpet you are allergic to? These chemicals, or VOC’s, are emitted from the carpet after installation. The nuLOOM carpet is made up of 100% polypropylene making it good for people with allergies. Most Carpets (and carpet backings) are made with a variety of chemicals and even hazardous materials. Maybe this will help you a little. I agree with The Flooring Lady that you want to get that cleaned up so it doesn’t damage your health. two things I noticed after moving in were that they didn’t put any padding underneath. One person may find that hard surface floors indeed stir up the dust, while another may find the trapped particles in carpets a… Carpet is the biggest flooring no-no when it comes to people with allergies. Because of its unpredictable nature, there’s no telling on how severe an allergy attack can be. Hello Annette, As such, Berber carpets constructed using both natural and synthetic products are now being produced. As noted above, a good carpet cleaner will be able to take care of most issues that can arise with a berber carpet. Because of this, I am willing to settle for an apartment that has tile throughout the home except for the bedroom. Most carpet and pad manufacturers have gone “green” these days, which is a plus for allergy sufferers! Thanks for sharing – something else to think about! The best thing to do is to either call (or contact thru websites) manufacturers and ask them which of their product lines are formaldehyde free. we had a upstairs added on and my 15 year old son went up there. We are a retired couple living on the 4th. Padding is also important because it cushions footsteps. What kind of dust do you have? Difficult to remove stains: While Berber carpets are easy to clean in general, they are not so easy to clean when stains do set into the fibers. Allergy symptoms can also be caused by contaminants that settle in and around items in your home, so you will want to consider elements of your allergies as well. Steam or dry is really up to you and may depend on how much time you can give your carpet to properly dry out. Hi Michelle, Tiling a Shower Floor or Wall First: Which Way is the Right Way? I would be sure to have the carpet cleaned. October 26th, 2010 1:57 pm. Cons of Berber Carpet. Thank you. Could a child (less than two) be allergic to the chemical(s) and be breaking out with bumps (red). Health makes the claim that carpets can and do contribute to indoor allergies. Berber carpet installation costs an average of $5 per square foot.. ;~). This is definitely recommended for wool Berber and can also be used on nylon. If you are sensitive to any of these compounds, they can cause various health symptoms, including headaches. Is dust a characteristic of berber, and should there be padding? But the question is, do these complaints have legitimate basis? Berber Carpeting and AllergiesAllergies are one of the biggest health concerns for people. Because of its unpredictable nature, there’s no telling on how severe an allergy attack can be. very few guests. It is possible that you are allergic to “something” on or in the carpet, and not the carpet itself. can i have it tested? After conducting the initial research, I then ran across this great article from the Carpetology blog. Thanks. How to Make Engineered Hardwood Floors Shine – Easy Tips and Tricks, Removing Mortar from Concrete Slab Floor: A Practical Guide. It comes in a distressed blue and cream pattern that is very beautiful to look at and makes a room … With proper ventilation, it can take anywhere from 72 hours to several years for VOCs to dissipate. Berber carpets can be steam cleaned as with other types of cut pile carpets. On the other hand, carpets may actually help contain allergens, preventing them from floating through the air. The Carpet and Rug Institute claims that carpets actually improve air quality by containing particles and allergens in the floor. He also notes that “multiple studies have reported fewer allergy and asthma symptoms associated with carpet.” Another important study was updated by the World Health organization and the U.S. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute which also supports this claim by noting that there is no evidence to suggest that replacing carpet with a hard surface had any health benefits. However, Berber is hardy and can really take a beating without getting too worn out. Wool Carpet In addition, shag carpeting should be avoided because the shorter the strands the less area there is for particles to be trapped in. Another culprit that could be causing you to think that you are allergic to this kind of carpet is the underpad. Hi Angela, It seems very difficult to find an apartment that has tile throughout the home (including the bedroom). If you do steam clean, just remember a few tips: If you need extra cleaning, it’s best to let the carpet dry completely in between each pass of the steamer. It tends to wear better than cut-pile because it is less likely to tuft or shed over time. To maintain your carpet, be sure to vacuum regularly, as particles love to get stuck in the dense little Berber loops. By asking for formaldehyde-free carpet pads, you can help decrease the chance that you will have this reaction. Because sisal is a natural fiber carpeting material, it is non-toxic and good for people with allergies and asthma. Some doctors can run tests based on common chemicals found in carpets. If you are sensitive and allergic to many different things, then you may want to have your carpet installed and then leave the home for a few days until the VOCs have been lowered enough to cause no symptoms. The floor is very hard. 4 Responses to “Facts and Myths: Berber Carpets and Allergies”. My parents had this done when I was younger and found that I am allergic to the Stainmaster solution they put in the carpet to deflect dirt. These materials are known for their durability and ease of care. 23 Issue 2, p104-104). Do you remember hearing about the health problems of people living in the trailers provided by FEMA after hurricane Katrina? Finding a carpet with low-VOC’s and asking for an installation with low VOC’s. Wool carpet is a good choice for cat owners but its price a bit higher for a regular budget but there is no need to worry! All that dust couldn’t be good for your resperatory system to boot. You may be able to enjoy the beauty of Berber without worrying whether you are allergic or not. What thickness do you recommend and is it better to spend the money on the Heathsafe ones that promote their underpad for those who want to control allergies and mould? They will serve you, and your allergies, better than a higher pile plush carpet. You can certainly use a dry cleaning method or low-moisture for the carpet. Source: www.naturescarpet.com Nature’s Carpet – If you’re set on a wool Berber carpet then this rather interesting, eco-friendly company offers 100% wool carpets with a good range of Berber style loop ones in a fairly affordable range of around $7 per square foot. For example, Berber carpet, with its looped pile, keeps dust close to the floor, even when walked on. The least effective are wool because allergens and mold thrive there. (like a carpet deorderizer, pet hairs, cleaning detergent). I am also allergic to many cleaning chemicals, especially products like Formula 409 – any contact at all leaves tiny, deep, painful blisters. Quick question on underpad for a Berber carpet. As such, Berber carpets constructed using both natural and synthetic products are now being produced. With regards to this, one of the most common causes of allergies is caused by airborne allergens. Annett, Any of us can be allergic to chemicals. With regards to this, one of the most common causes of allergies is caused by airborne allergens. Our guide will give you a crash course in Berber carpeting as we’re going to discuss pricing, installation, and the pros and cons of this unique carpet. He concludes that carpets do not cause asthma and do not increase the instance or severity of allergies. But the question is, do these complaints have legitimate basis? It sounds like the carpet wasn’t vacuumed on a regular basis. You may also want to consider putting a hard surface floor down, instead of carpeting, as long as it’s been sealed with low-VOC finishes. A great many reputable sources advise allergy and asthma sufferers to remove carpeting. Heather, You might also consider removing your shoes while in the house to reduce soiling the carpet. If you are allergic to wool, which is generally a contact allergy, consider how much time you spend on the floor with bare skin touching the fibers before you reject wool Berber altogether. The carpet industry wants to make sure that consumers continue purchasing carpets, while the health care community continues to search for causes of increased occurrence of asthma and allergies. Berber carpets are carpets hand-woven by the Berber people in North Africa and the Sahara. Here’s what I tell them: http://honeydolisttv.com/berber-carpet-is-the-key, Choosing, Purchasing and Maintaining Your Carpet, Facts and Myths: Berber Carpets and Allergies, Carpet, Asthma and Allergies – Myth or Reality, http://honeydolisttv.com/berber-carpet-is-the-key, Berber Carpet Fibers: Wool, Nylon and Olefin. The thickness really depends on what you prefer, thicker isn’t always better. Wow – can you imagine how horrible life would have been for you had never found out you were allergic to the Stainmaster chemicals? Berber Carpet Guide, thanks for helping communicate that carpet actually helps prevent allergies. Regular vacuuming (at least once a week) can help control the amount of allergens stuck in the fibers. These materials are known for their durability and ease of care. But there are numerous complaints surfacing with Berber carpeting with regards to allergies. The Berber carpets are basically looped style carpets. In general, Berber carpet may be a good option, as the trapped allergens could remain closer to floor. Some carpet pads have formaldehyde in them, which can cause some people migraines and other allergy symptoms if they are susceptible to this chemical. This can cause mold and mildew to form, making your allergies even worse. Also, it might not be formaldehyde – carpets do trap allergens, which is why many people with allergies simply won’t use carpeting and opt for wood or tile flooring (ceramic, porcelain, stone). never had any problems til he moved up there. Both sides make a compelling case, but what is should you beleive? If you absolutely have to have carpet, go for a low pile carpet like berber carpeting, or a natural material like sisal. please help i don’t know what to do anymore. History: A Berber carpet is a light coloured carpet floor that has dark coloured flecks (usually brown or grey).The Berber carpets were woven by the Berber tribe of North America and hence have been named after them. Berber carpet can be installed on stairs, but it is important that it be installed correctly so that it will last for as long as possible. However, some studies do show that carpet VOC’s are quickly emitted and after about 2 weeks, the chemicals will be nearly gone. Wow, this is great! Carpets should be considered on an individual basis, taking into consideration the health concerns and sensitivities of each individual.

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