Find one here. The reaction can cause coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, a runny nose, and a scratchy throat. But the report back to 2015 by Healthy Stuff revealed that 58% of vinyl flooring tiles contain phthalates. There are many reasons for this. Higher-end vinyl products typically are the better option for both durability and VOC content. Always be sure to check that the product has the correct certifications. How long does laminate flooring off-gas? I would think, but I could be wrong, that would products would be okay as they dont have pollen, etc. The chemical fume that is produced from this type of flooring is a result of off-gassing that releases the chemical into the air and affects indoor air quality, and as it releases this chemical it will create a pungent odor that will permeate throughout the entire indoor space. There is an array of different air purifiers that are currently available to consumers that can all focus and mitigate certain pollutants from the environment such as noxious odors, allergens, particulates, and even chemicals from the air. curtains, and horizontal blinds. 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. Multi-width vinyl flooring is a type of vinyl in which the planks, Vinyl floors naturally tend to expand and contract with the temperature and humidity. Do you think that putting vinyl or laminate over existing (relatively thin) carpet would work? As a result, it may cause respiratory issues over time. Carpeting in the bedroom can be especially problematic because it exposes you to carpet dust throughout the night. Engineered Hardwood contains several layers of actual wood, bonded to a base layer for strength. The majority of laminate plank and rigid-core vinyl flooring products require click-lock and floating installation, eliminating the need for adhesives. As mentioned earlier, there is one flooring option considered less effective than others when dealing with allergens. Laminate flooring is toxic. E-mail-custserv@timilon, Learn More About The EnviroKlenz Air System. The tile and linoleum are better options for wet and moist areas such as bathrooms and mudrooms. Treating a mud mite hypersensitive reaction antihistamines, along with Allegra or Claritin, can help relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itching. When everything is dry again, you can re-install the flooring. I have lived with dogs and cats my whole life and when I am around them I do not break out. For people with asthma and certain allergies, another aspect to consider is the VOC (volatile organic compounds) level of the floor. An allergen can be eaten, inhaled into your lungs, injected into your body or simply something you touched. 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. As they are synthetic products (vs. hardwood or cork which are natural), they may tend to cause other issues, especially with cheaper options. The material and statements illustrated within this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases or medical conditions. Because youll likely find it in 12-foot-wide rolls, youll purchase a roll of 12 feet, Your new vinyl floor will require an adhesive. 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. and along with that, carpet cleaner, hay, grass, I'm not sure what it was but something in the strap of my brathat one was bad, laytex. I have a systemic reaction going on because of it! Laminate flooring also wins out over vinyl when it comes to environmental sustainability. 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. But, hardwood or cork (or other hard surfaces) are generally much better options. I hope that helps. This compound is known to pose severe threats to the lives of humans and animals. By using this Site you agree to the following, By using this Site you agree to the following. Copyright 2011-2022 | All Rights Reserved. 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. Congoleum DuraCeramic Sierra Slate SI-74 Golden Greige. MY PROFESSIONAL OPINION IS CARPET IF ITS THE CORRECT STYLE, IS THE BEST CHIOCE, when it comes to most areas of your home. Made with all-natural ingredients, this cleaner can be used on a variety of surfaces, like vinyl flooring, hardwood, concrete, and countertops. Most of it is phthalate-free now though phthalates were replaced with alternate plasticizers. Any smooth finish tile or stone is a good hypoallergenic option. Laminate flooring may or may not be a good choice for those with allergies it can depend on the manufacturer and the grade of product. Solid wood, bamboo or eucalyptus flooring would be excellent allergy friendly floors. As the materials (phthalate) are used in the final production process of LVP, it emits a level of VOCs into the air for a short amount of time after installation. Building a new home or renovating the home you currently reside in will leave you with many decisions, some of which will be critical to both the air quality in this environment and the health of those that are exposed to this tainted air on a daily basis. As you can see, there are significantly more allergy-friendly flooring options than one might initially think. How do I stop my windows from sweating in the winter? 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. We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. A cleaning product that we recommend is Real Clean Floors. Never fully immerse the floor with water as this can cause water damage. Rather than burn the place to the ground after reading those horrifying lists of allergens and where theyre found, were going to look at some options on which flooring is best for allergies, and honestly, which one is the worst. One more thing you need to know about laminate flooring is that it can also trigger allergies. Hardwood supplies e.g. Dioxins and Vinyl Flooring Those substances pose a overall healthiness danger to anyone whos uncovered to them. When it comes to the safest option, hardwood flooring is a prime choice. Here is what my research found. 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. Hardwood floors can be refinished, and with care can last a lifetime or more. And, cork flooring does not require a plywood subfloor, so they provide a great alternative if you have a concrete subfloor in an apartment or lower level of you house. If you have seasonal allergies, its especially important to dust and sweep regularly when pollen is at its high. The symptoms that can follow after toxic vinyl floors are installed into your home can include the following: When it comes to the release of chemicals into your home from construction or home renovations the best way to effectively mitigate these chemicals from the air and help to improve the conditions in this indoor space is to buy and utilize an air purifier for VOC removal. Regardless of which flooring surface you use, its important to keep the floors clean. It can trap bacteria and allergens and its a terrible surface for laminate or vinyl to go on top of. Get more ways to create a healthy environment in your home from the AAAAI. Lets go over some aspects to consider when looking for a new allergen-free, waterproof floor: Because waterproof flooring is a hard surface, it wont trap dust mites or allergens like pollen, mold, dust and pet dander. However, this type of flooring could be toxic flooring in your home that will release toxic chemicals into the air. Which flooring is the best option for combating allergy triggers? It is made of natural materials mixed with sustainable elements. Can vinyl flooring cause allergic reaction? Theyre here to help with all your questions from allergy-friendly product selection, to installation and maintenance. 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. The hard, flat surface of ceramic and porcelain tiles makes them a sensible choice for these with allergies. You will make a better informed buying decision. Flooring is an item inside your home that can be filled with a mix of different chemicals that can release into the air and pollute the air quality indoors. This can cause many of the symptoms you're experiencing including headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, and asthmatic reactions. However, prolonged exposure to this chemical may lead to several health issues like reproductive health issues. 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. Also, the floor has cadmium, lead, and other dangerous things, but in small numbers. Most natural flooring products such as solid hardwood, linoleum, and cork flooring have the least amount of VOC, usually none at all. How is your daughter surviving if she is allergic to trees. We recommend you vacuum the Carpeted surface regularly. Hardwood floors are consistently rated as one of the most allergy-friendly choices on the market. Your Online Resource for Relevant, Engaging, Biblical sermons! Every time your nose runs, it may not be due to allergies. This makes woven vinyl flooring a great option for allergy sufferers. The scent can be natural, as from a pine tree or a fresh orange. Its the preferred flooring surface for homes in Westchester County and the East Coast. Be sure to check the levels and presence of one particular VOC: Formaldehyde. Over 14 billion pounds of vinyl flooring is manufactured in the United States each year and installed into homes and other indoor spaces. Because of this, most physicians recommend that people with severe allergies or asthma get their wall-to-wall carpeting removed. If you do need to glue the floor down, there are low VOC and no VOC adhesive options available. The whole purpose of this is due to to her asthma and allergies. Laminate and vinyl are alternative synthetic options. 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 hard surface makes it easy to clean with a dust mop (ideally a swiffer). Keeping your home allergy-free extends beyond just choosing the right product. Even though cork is porous, the finish prevents allergens from collecting and growing. Phthalates are known toxins, exposing both humans and pets to the risk of asthma, cancer, kidney, lung, and even reproductive health problems. Similar to cork flooring, some high-end vinyl floors (often called luxury vinyl) can offer the advantages of a hard surface easy to clean, no pockets for moisture and many have an antibacterial agent built into them. Your email address will not be published. Does eliminating carpet certainly assist allergies? How do I clean my above ground pool for the winter? Required fields are marked *, $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["e9ba73bf-1e8b-4c4a-909e-c54efc9e5793"]); }), $MMT = window.$MMT || {}; $MMT.cmd = $MMT.cmd || [];$MMT.cmd.push(function(){ $MMT.display.slots.push(["8a8357c5-6054-40ff-9476-b14d83c919ad"]); }). However, formaldehyde is also a concern in vinyl flooring, although its levels tend to be lower than in laminate flooring. Is vinyl flooring toxic? However, theyre also found in indoor plants, bedding, and pillows, mattresses, stuffed toys, soft furniture, on pets, and in damp areas such as basements, kitchens and bathrooms. I would check/get clarification with your doctor and then ask your doctor what he or she would recommend. Phthalates are known toxins, exposing both humans and pets to the risk of asthma, cancer, kidney, lung, and even reproductive health problems. You can install it in your home to get rid of VOCs. So, you can get the safest vinyl flooring if you purchase one from Home Depot. Nonetheless, the top part that would be exposed is vinyl and should be okay. The short answer is, yes. If there is anything disturbing you on the ground, such as dust or dirt, then it will be reflected on your floor and can cause health problems due to allergy. 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. Even with frequent vacuuming, with a HEPA filter, you can never completely eliminate all allergens from the carpet. Researchers have discovered that children living in residences with vinyl floors and sofas handled with hearth retardant chemical substances show accelerated levels of certain toxic chemicals. 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. While concrete does emit VOCs, the emissions are significantly lower than that of most other building products, as reported by the Portland Cement Association, a policy, research, education, and market intelligence organization serving Americas cement manufacturers. You can easily overcome this issue by keeping the window open for several days to eliminate the VOCs from the room. Unlike carpet, hardwood doesnt trap allergens nor does it provide an environment for them to grow. 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. Lets examine what options are available underfoot for allergen-sensitive households. Hardwood floors is an additional amazing option for hypersensitivity sufferers. On top of that, flooring manufacturer companies now produce phthalate-free or non-toxic LVP surfaces. Like the certifications we talked about, there are other third-party certifications for other types of products like EnergyStar, Green Seal, and FSC International. Not to sound like a broken record but be sure to watch the VOCs on those products. This is a common allergen in flooring, as its used in both the construction of the floors as well as in the adhesives. 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. These chemicals can contribute to indoor air pollution by drifting out of the flooring and into the air and dust inside homes. Once installed, vinyl would off-gas potentially hazardous compounds (including lead, cadmium and phthalate plasticizers) for years. For a sustainable choice, search for glass tiles produced from recycled materials. How does Fahrenheit 451 relate to real life? However, if you visit that link, you can find the report says: Children will suffer from allergic asthma if the mother is heavily exposed to phthalates at the time of pregnancy & breastfeeding.. Ceramic Tile. Waterproof floors are a great solution for those needing a durable floor that doesnt trap allergens and irritants. How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring? Do you need a local flooring contractor? These type of floors (including hardwood, cork, and LVT) are easy to clean and dont trap allergens like carpet does. Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is widely available . Can you be allergic to vinyl flooring? Laminate and vinyl plank flooring dont trap allergens like carpet and theyre generally much easier to clean. 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. A recent study found that most vinyl flooring, made from reprocessed plastic, contained toxic phthalates, lead, cadmium, brominated flame retardants, and other toxic chemicals. Kick Dust Mites Out of Bed These microscopic bugs can trigger allergies and asthma. Humans absorb this chemical through contact with vinyl, as well as through the affected food we eat. Read more here. The PVC will create a large number of toxic chemicals like dioxins and phthalates that are released into the air and can produce toxic fumes into the environment. If you have carpet, or area rugs (or are required to have carpet), low pile (including looped carpets) are better options and so are natural fiber carpets such as wool or sisal. One of the worst offenders in allergy magnets for your home is carpeting. PVC is hazardous to both the environment and human health. 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. My heart was set on laminate, now what do I do?
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can vinyl flooring cause allergies