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Did you know? Mold allergy is among the most common causes of allergic symptoms anywhere and mold is present everywhere, daily in the air we breath' Carpet can actually have a positive impact on mold allergies if proper carpet cleaning is performed. Dust mites, mold, mildew, fungi, and allergens are easily removed with proper carpet cleaning.Fungi Allergies and CarpetFungi (mold and mildew) as a Primary Allergen
Often, results of airborne investigations labeling carpet as source of airborne fungi are The lack of complete environmental control necessitates the use of environmental chambers to positively identify the source of airborne fungi. Room size environmental chambers control the purity of the air introduced into the test area. In this environment, airborne fungi can be definitively traced to the source material within the chamber.
Several of the carpets in this study were incubated at 85%-90% humidity for four weeks and retested. After the incubation period, under extreme conditions, fungi actively growing on the surface of the pile were released into the breathing zone. However, similar findings could be expected from any flooring surface. Studies further show that vacuuming is very effective in removing surface contamination from carpet. Unfortunately, surface levels are rarely used to evaluate fungi levels in carpet. Most investigations extract dust held within the carpet pile to enumerate fungi levels in carpet. Since environmental chamber studies indicate that those contaminants held with the pile do not provide an exposure risk, this sampling technique provides no direct evidence that fungi in carpet dust can contribute to airborne levels.
the ease of fungi removal through routine carpet cleaning activities. These studies indicate fungi levels can be reduced by more than 99% with wet extraction carpet cleaning and levels can be continually reduced through a regular carpet care program.
Any flooring material can accumulate fungi on its surface through deposition from airborne particles. However, the necessity to remove this accumulation cannot be overstated. The superior contaminant removal characteristics of carpet can provide an acceptable alternative to hard flooring systems, without sacrificing carpets beneficial peripheral properties.
Carpet and AllergiesWhile allergists typically recommend that carpet be removed, carpet removal in itself has never eliminated allergic reactions by allergic/sensitive individuals. Some short term benefits have been noted following carpet removal, but allergic reactions return to normal several weeks after carpet replacement. In some cases, allergic reactions worsen due to increased airborne particle levels with hard surface flooring. Carpet, like any other fabric, could possibly become a problem without yearly cleaning and regular vacuuming. Carpet acts as a filter to trap airborne allergen. Once filled with allergen, carpet assumes the characteristics of a hard surface floor, releasing untrapped allergen with every foot step or wind current.
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