Eco And Allergy Friendly Flooring
Since then more information and options have become available and I thought it would be a great time to let you know about them.
If you're allergic to latex, carpet underlay can be a problem especially as the underlay ages and becomes worn the latex breaks down and forms a fine dust. There are non-latex underlay options available but if you already have rugs in your home unfortunately it most likely contains latex.
Most carpets also contain VOC's (volatile organic compounds) like formaldehyde and stain repellents. They also tends to act as a magnet, trapping everything from dust and dust mites, mold spores, dirt, pollen, pet dander, and a whole bunch of other pollutants. So every time you walk on it or sit on it you disturb everything and they are released into the air, a real problem if you have certain allergies.
Wood flooring and other solid surface flooring allow for easier and more complete cleaning. As dust and other pollutants remain on the surface they can be more easily removed.
So what do you look for when you are looking for healthy flooring?
Here are a few suggestions from EWG's website.
- Instead of carpet use solid surface flooring
- Use natural linoleum or tile
- Use low VOC sealants, finishes, and products
- Use click or nail down over glue, or use formaldehyde free based glues.
- FSC certified, NAF Certified, Green seal certified
- Check for certifications on engineered hardwoods, bamboo, cork. Check to make sure they do not have a PVC backing or rubber (specifically for cork floors) or formaldehyde or carcinogenic isocyanate binders.
- Avoid standard vinyl flooring as it's made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and contain phthalates.
- Avoid standard laminate flooring as its been found to give off "significant levels of formaldehyde". It appears to be the glue that is used to bond all the layers is the culprit.
The good news is that I have found some eco-friendly vinyl and laminate on my online searches.
For example in Canada I found "The Eco Floor Store" online (they are based in the Lower Mainland and they have a showroom in Surrey, B.C.)
Their vinyl is PVC free, up to 100% recyclable, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, floor score certified, and non-allergic.
Their laminate is made with recycled content and the manufacturers have sustainability commitment. They are also Greenguard, PEFC (Pan European Forest Certified), and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified.
In the United States I found "Green Building Supplies" who also offers eco-friendly flooring options.
Both these sites offer lots of eco-friendly building materials and information for those looking for healthier options. I believe the best thing as always is to do your research to see what your options are and what the cost would be. So no matter your allergies or sensitivities the options for our homes can continue to become healthier. A good thing no matter how you look at it.
ewg.org/healthyhomeguide/flooring/
ecofloorstore.ca/eco-floors-surfaces/
greenbuildingsupply.com
allergy-details.com
home.howstuffworks.com
momscleanairforce.org
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