As stated above, there is no cure for allergies. Lets examine what options are available underfoot for allergen-sensitive households. By so far, Home Depot is the best retailer that provides phthalate-free vinyl flooring, which is safe. However, prolonged exposure to this chemical may lead to several health issues like reproductive health issues. Most of it is phthalate-free now though phthalates were replaced with alternate plasticizers. These toxic chemicals can be harmful to air quality of the immediate environment it's installed in and may cause respiratory problems over time. I started to see an allergist and had the skin and patch testing done. Now, the question arises in your mind- is the LVP flooring safe? It actually was getting somewhat worse, and I see that I do get the hives whenever I carry groccery bags, used vinyl gloves for CPR class and had a ring around my wrist, my car seats are vinyl and the welts would appear on my legs, and just last weekend was in a golf cart and the hives appeared on the skin exposed to the vinyl seats. Stained Concrete. Even though cork is porous, the finish prevents allergens from collecting and growing. Can vinyl flooring cause allergic reaction? Vinyl flooring is made from phthalates mixed with additives; plasticizers, stabilizers, pigments, and fillers. Watery, red or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis) A food allergy can cause: Tingling in the mouth. However, always avoid older carpeted floors as it contains VOC elements like formaldehyde. We sell it all. Bonita Springs, Florida 34134 If you're allergic to allergens in your carpet, symptoms can include: 2 Runny nose Congestion Sneezing Red, itchy eyes Swollen eyes and/or lips Rash Wheezing Chest tightness Shortness of breath Coughing Symptoms of VOC Exposure Exposure to VOCs can cause: 3 Eye, nose, and throat irritation Nausea Vomiting Bleeding from your nose Shortness of breath Are waterproof floors good for people with allergies? Keeping your home allergy-free extends beyond just choosing the right product. Runny, stuffy nose. You may get a cold a few times a year, but those are not allergies. Read more here. It helps to have some general guidelines as to what makes a good, hypo-allergenic flooring and what might not be so great. Stay toward natural products, rather than man-made, to avoid chemicals. The tile and linoleum are better options for wet and moist areas such as bathrooms and mudrooms. I would expect those surfaces to bounce and break. That would be a disaster. As with any potential new flooring job, our search for allergy-friendly floors brings us to tile and stone. Why is energy transfer inefficient in the ecosystem? There are so many flooring options available, so dont feel limited just because you have allergies or asthma. Cork / Bamboo. Carpet works well in some areas of the home. Yes, some carpets can work well, and there certainly are advantages to carpet. Vinyl Plank, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) are very low in VOCs and offgassing. Nonetheless, laminate provides a hard surface that is easy to clean and like hardwood, it doesnt harbor dust or dander. The only meds that seem to alleviate the itch and hives are prednisone and benadryl- which I cannot live on. Common culprits include citrus fruits, raw onions, garlic, tomatoes, peppers and chillies. Always check the product to see the formaldehyde rating (E1 or E0 are the best choices). Firstly, open the window for a day after installing the LVP surface to get rid of most of the VOCs. Many of the microscopic allergens we discussed are trapped and even furthered with carpet. 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. How to Clean Vinyl Plank Flooring? 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. As a general rule, carpeting is the worst choice for allergies while wood or cork flooring are the best selections. Does vinyl flooring come in different widths? 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. However, you can ask some questions to the Installer about the safety of grout, and other ingredients used during the installation process as it may emit toxicity. On the contrary, these are durable, cost-effective products that tend to be far better for allergies than carpet; its just important that you research the products and select higher end options rather than cheaper alternatives. However, as it emits a level of VOC, it may be dangerous to your health and cause asthma or other issues. Was planning on installing laminate flooring. One note of warning on bamboo: it is technically a member of the grass family, rather than a tree product, so if you are looking for flooring friendly to grass allergies, this may not be the best choice. Laminate is a manufactured product and contains limited natural materials. At present, the manufacturer companies stop using phthalates and provide phthalate-free LVP floor. This compound is known to pose severe threats to the lives of humans and animals. Can you be allergic to laminate flooring? Due to its chlorine base, vinyl siding does not ignite quickly and is inherently flame-retardant. Hardwood floor. 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. One more thing you need to know about laminate flooring is that it can also trigger allergies. Can you be allergic to vinyl flooring? Spoiler Alert: Carpet is the worst. As mentioned earlier, there is one flooring option considered less effective than others when dealing with allergens. However, prolonged exposure to this chemical may lead to several health issues like reproductive health issues. Vinyl flooring can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Therefore, you can remove dust and debris from the hardwood floor efficiently using a vacuum. This can cause many of the symptoms you're experiencing including headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, and asthmatic reactions. The symptoms that can follow after toxic vinyl floors are installed into your home can include the following: Eye, nose, and throat irritation Headaches Nausea Allergic skin reaction. Real Wood and Bamboo Floors for Allergies and Asthma. Wouldnt there be wood at school (e.g. I tried antihistamines and they did not solve the problem. Get our free cleaning guide for details about the best way to clean your floor (spoiler you only need 3 tools to clean!). When it comes to the installation of new flooring into a home this building material will release potentially toxic chemicals into the environment that are known as VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). This is a common allergen in flooring, as its used in both the construction of the floors as well as in the adhesives. My company has been in business 36 years. Hardwood floors can be refinished, and with care can last a lifetime or more. Hardwood floors is an additional amazing option for hypersensitivity sufferers. Carpeting can also retain moisture, which encourages the growth of mold and mildew. You can get rid of VOCs and let some fresh air into your home by opening a window, using the exhaust fan in your kitchen or bathroom, or having a mechanical ventilator installed. I am in Atlanta, GA. Anupa You may want to look into a pre-finished wood. Most floors will give off some level of VOCs, even natural hardwood floors. For a sustainable choice, search for glass tiles produced from recycled materials. 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.. Unlike vinyl, which is petroleum based, linoleum is made with linseed oil and its eco-friendly. How does Fahrenheit 451 relate to real life? If you have never suffered from allergies, you are not familiar with the running nose, itchy eyes and sore throat that can come with it. When it comes to selecting the ideal flooring for your home, many consumers are opting for vinyl flooring that is durable, versatile, and cost effective that will save you some major money. More on LivingProofMag When it comes to vinyl flooring, this plasticizer is also used mostly in the time of final production to increase their flexibility and durability. MY PROFESSIONAL OPINION IS CARPET IF ITS THE CORRECT STYLE, IS THE BEST CHIOCE, when it comes to most areas of your home. Laminate flooring emits gas for about 10 years. 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. I have a systemic reaction going on because of it! 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. All that said, if youre not confident or unsure of where to start, reach out to your flooring experts at The Good Guys. Cork is also an eco-friendly product. These symptoms may include: chest pain or. Kick Dust Mites Out of Bed These microscopic bugs can trigger allergies and asthma. Our rigid core flooring is both GREENGUARD and FloorScore certified, something that you wont typically find in competing products. This makes woven vinyl flooring a great option for allergy sufferers. If you are still having doubts about picking out an allergy-friendly flooring option for your house, get in touch with Healthy Home Flooring, and we will help you make the right decision. A perimeter-bond floor will need, Copyright 2023 HouseholdFAQ | Powered by Astra WordPress Theme. Ive heard of tree pollen and mold, but not trees. Known for its durability and natural beauty, hardwood flooring adds value and luxury to any room. These emissions are caused by a variety of factors, like the adhesive and finishes used with the floor. Vinyl tile flooring is constructed of new or recycled polyvinyl chloride or PVC that is known to be one of the most environmentally hazardous consumer materials that are produced for flooring. Call Now and save. While carpet is an obvious aggravator of allergies, there are many other flooring finishes that are not ideal for the people who suffer from allergies. Thats a tall order, as you can imagine, so lets start on the ground level. I am currently in the market for a new home and will not even consider a home with vinyl flooring. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carolyn Riss gained plenty of experience in the housekeeping field. I think am suffering from Cholinergic urticaria. However, many waterproof flooring manufacturers use materials that are safe for those with allergies and asthma and that meet rigorous indoor air quality certifications. If a flood happens in the space, you can remove the flooring boards to let the subfloor and flooring boards dry. There are also hypoallergenic and low VOC carpet padding (such as felt or Shaws Triple Touch Carpet padding) which tend to be better for allergies or asthma. The Top 5 hardwood cleaning productsand the one I recommend to my customers, read more about cork here Cork flooring how is it made and why is it considered green, Whats the difference between linoleum and vinyl, Discover the 6 Secrets of Refinishing Hardwood floors, https://theflooringgirl.com/blog/review-coretec-plus-luxury-vinyl-waterproof-hardwood-planks.html, California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Policy. So, is vinyl flooring toxic in the real words? Waterproof floors (sheet vinyl, LVT, and LVP) are a great option for those who need a durable floor that wont upset their allergies. I started to see an allergist and had the skin and patch testing done. These emissions are caused by a variety of factors, like the adhesive and finishes used with the floor. It naturally resists mold, mildew, and bacteria and is easily maintained, like hardwood floors, with a dust mop and appropriate cleaner. 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