Allergy–Friendly Flooring

According to the AAAAI (American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology) a little more than half of all Americans currently suffer from allergies. Surprisingly, some of the most common allergens can be found right in your home. While your living space may never be completely free of allergens, installing hypoallergenic flooring can help control dust mites, mold, pollen, airborne chemicals, and other allergy–causing agents that can be found on floor surfaces. Let FindAnyFloor.com help put you on the path to flooring that just might help you breathe a little easier.

Allergy Friendly Floor Types

Floors: The Largest Allergen–Dwelling Surface

Dust mites, mold and pets are the most common triggers of indoor allergy and asthma symptoms. Select allergy–friendly flooring and you might effectively reduce a major hiding place for allergens. If pet dander can't settle on your floor and dust mites have nowhere to live, you are less likely to feel their effects. That means less time sneezing, coughing and wheezing, fewer sinus problems, and less watery eyes.

A Word on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are carbon–based chemical compounds that can be found in certain flooring materials, adhesives and cleaners. Tests conducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have proven that indoor air contains 2 to 5 times more VOCs than outdoor air. Some symptoms of VOC exposure include headache, eye irritation, pneumonia, coughing, fatigue and an increase in asthma attacks. Many flooring manufacturers now make their products VOC–free so that you can reduce the amount of toxins in your home.

Allergy–Friendly Floor Basics

As you begin your search for allergy–friendly flooring, you should keep the basics in mind. Look for floors that promote healthy indoor air quality and have low volatile organic compounds emissions. Also look for antibacterial and antimicrobial floors as you're shopping. These types of floors hinder the growth of bacteria and fungi which can worsen allergy symptoms. Review our Floor Types information to determine which floors will be easiest on your allergies.

Eco–Friendly Options for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers

Green flooring also offers options for those who suffer from allergies and asthma. In addition to being better for the environment, green flooring tends to also be good for your health, as many are free from VOCs and formaldehyde–based adhesives. Plus, green floor types such as cork and linoleum, can resist allergens (hypoallergenic) and mold growth (antimicrobial), making them an ideal choice for allergy sufferers.

FindAnyFloor.com is Here to Help!

While installing and maintaining allergy–friendly flooring may take some effort on your end, we believe it makes a significant difference in the quality of home living. That's why FindAnyFloor.com has compiled a wealth of information to guide you through all aspects of your flooring project. We encourage you to use our Allergy–Friendly Flooring Guide to determine which floor best meets your needs.