Wood Floors Deliver Better Air Quality

Posted by Dave the How To guy | do it yourself | Posted on August 28th, 2010

Every spring and fall a large number of people suffer from Allergy season. It is estimated 35 million Americans suffer from health problems as a result of allergens. Not only that, but statistics show that allergens account for 10 million missed workdays each year.

Also word from the Environmental Protection Agency says indoor air quality is one of North America’s top environmental issues. Pollutants such as chemicals, mold, dust, dander and pollen are responsible for many ailments people suffer on an ongoing basis. Further, carpet can hide the harmful bacteria, mold spores and pet dander that researchers say is responsible for the increase in asthma cases in the U.S.

To help cut down on problems, many experts suggest adding wood flooring to your new or existing homes. Wood floors result in better air quality because they don’t collect the dust and dirt that carpeting often gets embedded in it. And did you know that a new wood floor can last three to six times longer than carpeting?

Dr. Neil Schachter, professor of pulmonary medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine says that “Over the years, we’ve seen a number of allergy and asthma cases attributed to poor air quality in people’s homes”.

Wood floors are not only beautiful they’re also renewable and extremely durable. By installing wood floors in your homes, you can send a signal to the industry to plant more trees, which could result in more forestland, a very positive thing.

A very recent study also found that hardwood floors greatly reduce the accumulation of toxins. This is a result of less carpet in your home. Several chemical toxins are used and created in the manufacture of carpeting.

To help you improve your indoor air quality, here are some simple tips.

- Check your air conditioner. The ducts of your heating and central air-conditioning system are a big collector of dust and grime. Have them cleaned regularly.

- Inspect your walls. Did you know wallpaper is a potent food for dust mites and mold, both of which can grow behind the surface of the wallpaper? Use flat, washable paint instead.

- Avoid carpet in the bedroom. It is estimated that the average bed contains 10,000 dust mites, which usually burrow deep into carpets. Install wood floors instead. Believe me it makes a big difference.

- Grow houseplants to improve the indoor air quality of closed spaces. A groundbreaking study done by NASA reported that indoor plants were capable of removing pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air. Some plants do a better job as indoor air purifiers than others, and the list includes peace lilies, Boston ferns, and the ubiquitous rubber plant.

Indoor air quality has more of an impact on our health and wellbeing than it is given credit for. Allergens and pollutants have traditionally been associated with the outdoors. However modern buildings with increased energy efficiency and advanced building materials have created the problem of indoor air pollution.

Help your home be a safe and healthy home by avoiding carpet and installing wood floors instead. You won’t be disappointed.