please help i don’t know what to do anymore. Cons of Berber Carpet. In most cases, if you believe that you are allergic to berber, it is because allergens have set up residence in your carpeting, including mold, mildew, dust mites, other particles etc. I agree with The Flooring Lady that you want to get that cleaned up so it doesn’t damage your health. Because of its unpredictable nature, there’s no telling on how severe an allergy attack can be. Is dust a characteristic of berber, and should there be padding? Using cleaners that don’t have chemicals is the way to go. Filed Under Interior Environment | 4 Comments. Make sure that your carpeting choice is natural fiber rather than a PET product (petroleum based, made from recycled plastics, etc.). History: A Berber carpet is a light coloured carpet floor that has dark coloured flecks (usually brown or grey).The Berber carpets were woven by the Berber tribe of North America and hence have been named after them. However, (as you may have already guessed), some consideration should be taken regarding how wet the carpet becomes during cleaning. He also notes that “multiple studies have reported fewer allergy and asthma symptoms associated with carpet.” Another important study was updated by the World Health organization and the U.S. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute which also supports this claim by noting that there is no evidence to suggest that replacing carpet with a hard surface had any health benefits. Yes, I do recommend carpet pad that helps with allergens, there are other brands too. As such, Berber carpets constructed using both natural and synthetic products are now being produced. What thickness do you recommend and is it better to spend the money on the Heathsafe ones that promote their underpad for those who want to control allergies and mould? Even the Mayo Clinic continues to make this current recommendation: Of course, some maintenance of your carpet is require… Is it the Berber carpet or something in or under your carpet you are allergic to? Don McCracken on Keep away allergies caused by organic compounds by shifting to more natural and less chemical cleaners or go for installing allergy free Berber carpets. In recent years there has been much research and debate about how the use of carpets and rugs contributes to allergies and asthma. The floor is very hard. Is it best to have berber carpet DRY cleaned rather than steam cleaned? Source: www.naturescarpet.com Nature’s Carpet – If you’re set on a wool Berber carpet then this rather interesting, eco-friendly company offers 100% wool carpets with a good range of Berber style loop ones in a fairly affordable range of around $7 per square foot. Here’s what I tell them: http://honeydolisttv.com/berber-carpet-is-the-key, Choosing, Purchasing and Maintaining Your Carpet, Facts and Myths: Berber Carpets and Allergies, Carpet, Asthma and Allergies – Myth or Reality, http://honeydolisttv.com/berber-carpet-is-the-key, Berber Carpet Fibers: Wool, Nylon and Olefin. These are much better for allergy sufferers because the materials repel allergens. The least effective are wool because allergens and mold thrive there. I’d suggest finding some carpeting you like and then contacting the manufacturer to find out if the choice is formaldehyde free. Carpets should be considered on an individual basis, taking into consideration the health concerns and sensitivities of each individual. If you are a person with allergies, it is totally understandable on your dismay when we say installing allergy free Berber carpets is now possible! However, Berber is hardy and can really take a beating without getting too worn out. Unlike synthetic materials like nylon, it won't off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOC's), so sisal carpets and rugs will contribute to the air quality of your home. But there are numerous complaints surfacing with Berber carpeting with regards to allergies. People with Asthma and Allergies Can Enjoy Carpet, Too A misperception is that people with asthma and allergies should avoid carpet in the home. Best Way To Cut Vinyl Plank Flooring And What Tools To Use, How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring on Concrete – Step-By-Step Guide. While you don’t need a degree to find the best Berber carpet brands, it’s important to understand how the carpet is made and the difference between traditional and manufactured Berber as well. One person may find that hard surface floors indeed stir up the dust, while another may find the trapped particles in carpets aggravate their allergies. I just developed a sort of contact dermatitis to the carpet I think. Most carpet and pad manufacturers have gone “green” these days, which is a plus for allergy sufferers! VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) can be released by any kind of carpeting and padding you install in your home or office. Cleaning allergy free Berber carpets is convenient and easy, as it can be done using natural ingredients. I have home Sellers always asking me what increases you home value more? Allergist? I don’t think you’ll have a problem finding products. The short answer is yes, but with precautions. Thanks. Good luck! These emissions are evident in a foul smell, but often they aren’t evident at all. Maybe this will help you a little. Hello Annette, Berber carpet is good example of a less plush rug. Carpetology outlines similar myths and facts as uncovered here, plus includes more links and articles for further information. However, it is then essential to vacuum regularly with a CRI-approved vacuum to further contain the particles. Berber carpets can be steam cleaned as with other types of cut pile carpets. Some states require that the carpeting is to be cleaned before a new tenant moves in, you might want to check into that as well. There could be other things going on the child is reacting to, but start using vinegar and baking soda for your cleaning to help lower your family’s exposure to toxic chemicals. As such, Berber carpets constructed using both natural and synthetic products are now being produced. If you absolutely have to have carpet, go for a low pile carpet like berber carpeting, or a natural material like sisal. To maintain your carpet, be sure to vacuum regularly, as particles love to get stuck in the dense little Berber loops. The Berber carpets are basically looped style carpets. (like a carpet deorderizer, pet hairs, cleaning detergent). Once installed, keep the room well ventilated to allow the gases to escape the room. Now that I’m older, I know we can live in a house without carpet, or we can ask a dealer to show us (a very narrow selection) of carpets without the solution. Wool Carpet He concludes that carpets do not cause asthma and do not increase the instance or severity of allergies. can i have it tested? Your child could react like that now, and have it get worse with time and exposure. I know within a good 5 or 10 minutes of walking barefoot on a carpet if this solution has been added. Great info on berber. I doubt that it will, but you don’t want to be responsible for paying for a new carpet. You might also consider removing your shoes while in the house to reduce soiling the carpet. If the carpet is still in very good shape you might want to try using a shop-vac on it. Carpeting in the bedroom can be especially problematic because it exposes you to carpet dust throughout the night. The carpet industry wants to make sure that consumers continue purchasing carpets, while the health care community continues to search for causes of increased occurrence of asthma and allergies. Taking a look at different angles of the complaints is a good way to start. The thickness really depends on what you prefer, thicker isn’t always better. Annett, Any of us can be allergic to chemicals. Berber carpet creates a nubby texture with complete yarn loops that stand upright. Padding under carpet is essential to not only your comfort but also to the carpets longevity. The nuLOOM carpet is made up of 100% polypropylene making it good for people with allergies. Common mistakes -- shampooing carpets or using heavily scented cleaners -- could make your allergies worse, not better. It is possible that the VOC’s contribute to various respiratory problems. But the question is, do these complaints have legitimate basis? It is still smart to take certain precautions, such as requesting carpets and installation products with low VOC’s. Thanks for sharing – something else to think about! By planning ahead, you are better able to eliminate some of the issues that can cause health problems and by vacuuming and professionally cleaning your carpets regularly, you can take care of further issues. Shoes in the house? In most cases, if you believe that you are allergic to berber, it is because allergens have set up residence in your carpeting, including mold, mildew, dust mites, other particles etc. This is definitely recommended for wool Berber and can also be used on nylon. But there are numerous complaints surfacing with Berber carpeting with regards to allergies. There’s not much of any way to test the carpet itself, but you might be able to find out from the manufacturer what VOC’s it may contain. These are some of the alternative solutions you can opt when you are installing allergy free Berber carpets. Hi Angela, But the question is, do these complaints have legitimate basis? Here are some ways to keep your house clean and your allergies under control. They will serve you, and your allergies, better than a higher pile plush carpet. All that dust couldn’t be good for your resperatory system to boot. Do both the carpet and pad contain this chemical? i was taking him to the dr. like every week (headaches, sore throat, cant sleep, stomach aches) can this be due to the carpet that was put in? The reason why nylon fiber is a good alternative to wool is that it … Because of this, I am willing to settle for an apartment that has tile throughout the home except for the bedroom. It is a rental so I can’t rip it out…Thanks flooring lady! If you’re allergic to the materials your carpet is made of, removing it may be your best, most comfortable option. This is a beautiful carpet from the nuLOOM company. Learn more in our flooring and allergy article. It sounds like the carpet wasn’t vacuumed on a regular basis. But the question is, do these complaints have legitimate basis? Selecting allergy free Berber carpet is thus made easy! I harp on people being more judicious with their use of chemicals to clean and deodorize their homes and offices. Carpet has long been regarded as the enemy when it comes to allergies and asthma. floor and have I am also allergic to many cleaning chemicals, especially products like Formula 409 – any contact at all leaves tiny, deep, painful blisters. Started wearing shoes and then went on vacation for a couple of days and now itching and burning in my feet is gone. Our carpet is about 5 years old and has only been vacuumed. One thought I have is that it could be the plywood, it could have rather high levels of formaldehyde which can cause problems. 23 Issue 2, p104-104). Wow – can you imagine how horrible life would have been for you had never found out you were allergic to the Stainmaster chemicals? There is an alternative type of carpet for you which is nylon fiber carpet for some budget-minded consumers. If the carpeting is two years old, I doubt that it should be causing problems. October 26th, 2010 1:57 pm. Please try in an area that’s not noticeable first, just in case the shop-vac’s suction is too strong and unravels the berber. My parents had this done when I was younger and found that I am allergic to the Stainmaster solution they put in the carpet to deflect dirt. Carpet also tends to attract and hang onto water and other moisture. While it was once thought of only for basement rec rooms and home offices, it is now a popular choice for all areas of the home. Actually, the opposite is true. Once the treated area is dry, then steam with the rest of the carpet. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. In fact, multiple studies have shown that there’s no real link between the use of Berber carpeting and the emergence of allergies. Berber carpet can be installed on stairs, but it is important that it be installed correctly so that it will last for as long as possible. I have to agree – there’s no telling what your child could be reacting to and you’re being very smart to worry about chemicals. Learn how your comment data is processed. They will serve you, and your allergies, better than a higher pile plush carpet. This can cause mold and mildew to form, making your allergies even worse. Berber carpet installation costs an average of $5 per square foot.. very few guests. Do you remember hearing about the health problems of people living in the trailers provided by FEMA after hurricane Katrina? Heather, Berber carpets are carpets hand-woven by the Berber people in North Africa and the Sahara. Berber Carpeting and AllergiesAllergies are one of the biggest health concerns for people. This is something that you need to consider if you have severe allergies or allergy-induced asthma. One person may find that hard surface floors indeed stir up the dust, while another may find the trapped particles in carpets a… Clean your existing carpet regularly to help reduce allergy-related problems. It seems very difficult to find an apartment that has tile throughout the home (including the bedroom). However, some studies do show that carpet VOC’s are quickly emitted and after about 2 weeks, the chemicals will be nearly gone. Related:  Check out our Best Berber Carpet article! Carpet Fiber Material. ;~). The most common snag culprits are vacuums, high heels and pet claws. Chances are, it will be. But there are numerous complaints surfacing with Berber carpeting with regards to allergies. What do you do knowing you are allergic? With regards to this, one of the most common causes of allergies is caused by airborne allergens. Can get matted: Over time, the loops can look matted and worn. Jute, sisal and hemp are excellent natural fibers, which are even less plush than a Berber carpet. Taking a look at different angles of the complaints is a good way to start. Steam or dry is really up to you and may depend on how much time you can give your carpet to properly dry out. After two years though, the VOC’s should be gone. These materials are known for their durability and ease of care. On one side, some argue that carpets contribute to poor air quality by trapping dust an allergens in a room. I have allergies and I am getting ready to move into an apartment. Is it fibers from the carpet or dust that’s like dirt? thank you. These materials are known for their durability and ease of care. Our guide will give you a crash course in Berber carpeting as we’re going to discuss pricing, installation, and the pros and cons of this unique carpet. Studies prove that properly cleaned carpet can help reduce symptoms and is the best flooring choice for those dealing with asthma … If anyone knows the answers, please write back to Gonaykid@aol.com Thank you. Wow, this is great! I would be sure to have the carpet cleaned. Quick question on underpad for a Berber carpet. Thank you in advance. Hard-surface flooring such as vinyl, tile or wood is much easier to keep free of dust mites, pollen, pet dander and other allergens. Carpets should be considered on an individual basis, taking into consideration the health concerns and sensitivities of each individual. I have two choices. Carpet is the biggest flooring no-no when it comes to people with allergies. But the question is, do these complaints have legitimate basis? The most effective allergy-controlling carpet fibers are nylon. However, here is a unique option to have these carpets as a part of your home décor and not face allergies too. If the landlord chose to not pad the carpet make sure you aren’t held responsible for it wearing out quickly. Tiling a Shower Floor or Wall First: Which Way is the Right Way? We are a retired couple living on the 4th. Hi Rose, Berber is a very versatile carpet style and can work with many types of decor. I hope the red bumps go away soon. ;~), i have a question: i had a house fire almost 2 years ago. I would also make sure that other floor surfaces are cleaned well, since you are unaware of what the previous renters have used. You should use your A/C or open windows to encourage the carpet to dry fully. By asking for formaldehyde-free carpet pads, you can help decrease the chance that you will have this reaction. If you absolutely have to have carpet, go for a low pile carpet like berber carpeting, or a natural material like sisal. never had any problems til he moved up there. The carpet industry wants to make sure that consumers continue purchasing carpets, while the health care community continues to search for causes of increased occurrence of asthma and allergies. You may be able to enjoy the beauty of Berber without worrying whether you are allergic or not. Those living with asthma or allergy symptoms have historically been advised to remove all carpet in the home because carpet traps allergens. Before selecting allergy free Berber carpets one must know all the advantages and disadvantages of these carpets and how different are they from the usual carpet flooring options. As such, Berber carpets constructed using both natural and synthetic products are now being produced. Berber Carpet Guide, thanks for helping communicate that carpet actually helps prevent allergies. Taking a look at different angles of the complaints is a good way to start. The carpets come in traditional and modern designs, which are distinguished by different knotting patterns, dyes and fabric textures. The tightly woven loops have a tendency to retain moisture longer than cut pile counterparts. To keep your indoor air quality good, you should clean and vacuum any floor covering on a regular basis. Quality Berber carpet is a nylon or wood variety. Most carpet manufacturers are concerned with this too and becoming more green by leaps and bounds. The best thing to do is to either call (or contact thru websites) manufacturers and ask them which of their product lines are formaldehyde free. Better yet, call you landlord and tell him that you’re unhappy with the nasty dust in the carpet and tell him that it needs *something* done to it. If you absolutely have to have carpet, go for a low pile carpet like berber carpeting, or a natural material like sisal. History. I also noticed an unbelievable amount of dust. These chemicals, or VOC’s, are emitted from the carpet after installation. As such, Berber carpets constructed using both natural and synthetic products are now being produced. For example, Berber carpet, with its looped pile, keeps dust close to the floor, even when walked on. I know I’ve lived with it for almost 18 years since finding out what it was, so it’s not impossible to deal with…just a pain in the butt! With that in mind, is there a link between… This is the title of an article recently published in Health magazine (Mar2009, Vol. These carpets are safe to use in your flooring , but you must check if you or any family member is allergic to any component used in making the carpet. Weigh the pros and cons to determine if this is the right choice for you and your allergy symptoms. Carpet is the biggest flooring no-no when it comes to people with allergies. On the other hand, carpets may actually help contain allergens, preventing them from floating through the air. Many people claim to be allergic to this kind of carpet, but it may not be the “Berber” they are allergic to. After conducting the initial research, I then ran across this great article from the Carpetology blog. The off-gassing of carpets and synthetic material greatly reduces indoor air quality. Regular vacuuming (at least once a week) can help control the amount of allergens stuck in the fibers. With proper ventilation, it can take anywhere from 72 hours to several years for VOCs to dissipate. we had a upstairs added on and my 15 year old son went up there. In addition, shag carpeting should be avoided because the shorter the strands the less area there is for particles to be trapped in. Could a child (less than two) be allergic to the chemical(s) and be breaking out with bumps (red). Most Carpets (and carpet backings) are made with a variety of chemicals and even hazardous materials. Allergy symptoms can also be caused by contaminants that settle in and around items in your home, so you will want to consider elements of your allergies as well. Padding is also important because it cushions footsteps. If you do steam clean, just remember a few tips: Hi Michelle, I moved into a new apartment that had Berber carpeting already installed. Some doctors can run tests based on common chemicals found in carpets. What should I do different this time when looking for carpet? Carpet is also a good option because of it’s ability to lessen the effects of allergies. This can be taken care of by having it cleaned with low-allergen and natural ingredients, by a professional carpet cleaner. Keeping your carpet clean. As noted above, a good carpet cleaner will be able to take care of most issues that can arise with a berber carpet. Taking a look at different angles of the complaints is a good way to start. They will serve you, and your allergies, better than a higher pile plush carpet. Only give one pass with the steamer – passing over the same spot multiple times will just make the carpet water-logged. While carpetology doesn’t specifically address Berber carpet, you can find a host of useful information about carpets and allergies. Hi Heidi, It is possible that you are allergic to “something” on or in the carpet, and not the carpet itself. In terms of vacuums, we’d caution you to use vacuums without power heads and beater bars, as these heads are strong enough to grab any loose strands or snags and unravel them. Any idea where I can buy formaldehyde free carpets and pads in the Chicago area? If you need extra cleaning, it’s best to let the carpet dry completely in between each pass of the steamer. You can certainly use a dry cleaning method or low-moisture for the carpet. Both sides make a compelling case, but what is should you beleive? Historically, the term refers to hand-knotted rugs and carpets from the Berber … There are many items that can cause an allergic reaction due to the material that they are made of or the chemicals that are used to make them. This would need to be done while having the carpeting installed, but it can make a big difference to your allergies if you are sensitive to formaldehyde. Finding a carpet with low-VOC’s and asking for an installation with low VOC’s. two things I noticed after moving in were that they didn’t put any padding underneath. After many doctor visits I was told it could be the formaldehyde in my carpet. we had new carpet out up there. Some carpet pads have formaldehyde in them, which can cause some people migraines and other allergy symptoms if they are susceptible to this chemical. Wool carpet is a good choice for cat owners but its price a bit higher for a regular budget but there is no need to worry! Berber or Carpet? Berber Carpeting and AllergiesAllergies are one of the biggest health concerns for people. Hi Charlie, Green is good. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you or a family member suffers from allergies, then I am sure that you are very careful about what you bring into your home. In general, Berber carpet may be a good option, as the trapped allergens could remain closer to floor. Itching and burning on bottom of feet and toes just started when I moved into a new place. The Carpet and Rug Institute claims that carpets actually improve air quality by containing particles and allergens in the floor. It tends to wear better than cut-pile because it is less likely to tuft or shed over time. They may find there is a way to have the beauty of this classic carpeting in their homes if they so desire by finding out what. If you are allergic to wool, which is generally a contact allergy, consider how much time you spend on the floor with bare skin touching the fibers before you reject wool Berber altogether. Have you tried moving your son back downstairs temporarily to see if his health conditions clear up any? You may also want to consider putting a hard surface floor down, instead of carpeting, as long as it’s been sealed with low-VOC finishes. Also, it might not be formaldehyde – carpets do trap allergens, which is why many people with allergies simply won’t use carpeting and opt for wood or tile flooring (ceramic, porcelain, stone). Snags: If a loop gets caught, it can break and even tear out of the carpet’s backing. Choosing a less plush rug and sticking to natural materials. Difficult to remove stains: While Berber carpets are easy to clean in general, they are not so easy to clean when stains do set into the fibers. If you are an allergy sufferer, it’s more important you do your research to help save yourself the misery of health problems and the financial costs of an allergy attack. Because sisal is a natural fiber carpeting material, it is non-toxic and good for people with allergies and asthma. I need to replace more carpeting but do not want to be sick for two years again. The loops of Berber carpet tend to wear better than the cut pile of plush carpet. Health makes the claim that carpets can and do contribute to indoor allergies. 4 Responses to “Facts and Myths: Berber Carpets and Allergies”. How to Make Engineered Hardwood Floors Shine – Easy Tips and Tricks, Removing Mortar from Concrete Slab Floor: A Practical Guide. A 15 year research study has found that carpet is shown to alleviate allergy and asthma symptoms by possibly trapping allergens and preventing them from becoming airborne. If you have a particularly soiled area of carpet, treat it separately, before steam-cleaning. What kind of dust do you have? If you are sensitive and allergic to many different things, then you may want to have your carpet installed and then leave the home for a few days until the VOCs have been lowered enough to cause no symptoms. But there are numerous complaints surfacing with Berber carpeting with regards to allergies. If you are sensitive to any of these compounds, they can cause various health symptoms, including headaches. Granted, this reduces the opportunity for those nasty little things to circulate in the air, where you can breathe them in and suffer a perpetually runny nose, but every step on that carpet sends tiny clouds of particles back into the air. The short answer is yes, but with precautions. According to Jonathan Bernstein, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Cincinnati in the Division of Immunology and Allergy, “floor coverings are a major reservoir for indoor and outdoor allergens, including animal dander and dust mites.” The article continues by outlining various ways to reduce the allergy inducing qualities of carpets by: In a report titled “Carpet, Asthma and Allergies – Myth or Reality,” noted toxologist Dr. Mitchell Saueroff, makes a comparative analysis of several recent studies about carpets and allergens.
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