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Allergic to Berber Carpet
Some people think they are allergic to Berber carpet when it's actually the chemical finishes of the carpet, or padding below, or the dust mites that have settled into the carpeting and padding that they are allergic to. People allergic to wool might experience some allergic reactions if they come in direct contact with wool carpeting. But for the most part, it's not that you are allergic to Berber carpet, but other things that have become associated with carpeting.
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. 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. 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.
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Allergy symptoms can also be caused by contaminants that settle in and around items in your home, so you will want to consider element of your allergies as well. Many people claim to be allergic to Berber carpet, but it may not be the "Berber" they are allergic to. 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.
Quality Berber carpet is a nylon or wood variety. These materials are known for there durability and ease of care. In most cases, if you believe that you are allergic to Berber carpet, it is because allergens have set up residence in your carpeting, including mold, mildew, dust mites, etc. This can be taken care of by have it cleaned with low-allergen and natural ingredients, by a professional carpet cleaner. Weigh the pros and cons to determine if this is the right choice for you and your allergy symptoms. 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 all together.
Another culprit that could be causing you to think that you are allergic to Berber carpet is the underpad. Some carpet pads have formaldehyde in them, which can cause some people migraines and other allergy symptoms if they are susceptible to this chemical. By asking for formaldehyde-free carpet pads, you can help decrease the chance that you will have this reaction. This would need to be done when you are having the carpeting installed, but it can make a big difference to your allergies if you are sensitive to formaldehyde.
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) can be released by any kind of carpeting and padding you install in your home or office. If you are sensitive to any of these compounds, they can cause various health symptoms, including headaches. With proper ventilation, it can take anywhere from 72 hours to several years for VOCs to dissipate. 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. This is something that you need to consider if you have severe allergies or allergy-induced asthma. 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.
Is it the Berber carpet or something in or under your carpet your are allergic to? 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. You may be able to enjoy the beauty of Berber without worrying whether you are allergic to Berber carpet.
Comments
Any idea where I can buy formaldehyde free carpets and pads in the Chicago area?
Lil at January 27, 2009 02:45 PM
Hi Lil, I don't think you'll have a problem finding products. Most carpet manufacturers are concerned with this too and becoming more green by leaps and bounds. I'd suggest finding some carpeting you like and then contacting the manufacturer to find out if the choice is formaldehyde free. Chances are, it will be. ;~)
The Flooring Lady at January 29, 2009 12:28 PM
i have a question: i had a house fire almost 2 years ago. we had a upstairs added on and my 15 year old son went up there. never had any problems til he moved up there. we had new carpet out up there. 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? can i have it tested? please help i don't know what to do anymore. thank you
rose at February 9, 2009 07:04 PM
Hi Rose, Have you tried moving your son back downstairs temporarily to see if his health conditions clear up any? If the carpeting is two years old, I doubt that it should be causing problems. 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. After two years though, the VOC's should be gone.
One thought I have is that it could be the plywood, it could have rather high levels of formaldehyde which can cause problems. Do you remember hearing about the health problems of people living in the trailers provided by FEMA after hurricane Katrina?
The Flooring Lady at February 10, 2009 11:29 AM
Quick question on underpad for a Berber carpet. 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? Thank you in advance.
Heidi at February 12, 2009 11:27 AM
Hi Heidi, The thickness really depends on what you prefer, thicker isn't always better. Make sure that your carpeting choice is natural fiber rather than a PET product (petroleum based, made from recycled plastics, etc.). Yes, I do recommend carpet pad that helps with allergens, there are other brands too.
The Flooring Lady at February 19, 2009 09:01 AM
Some doctors can run tests based on common chemicals found in carpets. 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. I know within a good 5 or 10 minutes of walking barefoot on a carpet if this solution has been added. 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. Maybe this will help you a little. 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!
Michelle at March 22, 2009 08:23 PM
Hi Michelle, Wow - can you imagine how horrible life would have been for you had never found out you were allergic to the Stainmaster chemicals? Thanks for sharing - something else to think about!
The Flooring Lady at March 24, 2009 03:02 PM
Wow, this is great! I just developed a sort of contact dermatitis to the carpet I think. Itching and burning on bottom of feet and toes just started when I moved into a new place. Started wearing shoes and then went on vacation for a couple of days and now itching and burning in my feet is gone. What do you do knowing you are allergic? Shoes in the house? Allergist? It is a rental so I can't rip it out...Thanks flooring lady!
Heather at November 4, 2009 07:20 PM
Heather,
I would be sure to have the carpet cleaned. It is possible that you are allergic to "something" on or in the carpet, and not the carpet itself. (like a carpet deorderizer, pet hairs, cleaning detergent).
I would also make sure that other floor surfaces are cleaned well, since you are unaware of what the previous renters have used.
The Flooring Lady at November 6, 2009 09:47 AM
