Preserving Purity: A Guide to Healthy Carpets and Rugs

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Many people think that carpet is a great flooring option for their homes because it offers many benefits, including cushioning, warmth and aesthetic appeal. However, most don’t realize that they are also exposing themselves and their families to toxic chemicals and harmful bacteria. It is important to choose a non toxic carpet and to have it regularly cleaned in order to minimize these exposures.

Research has shown that certain volatile organic compounds, released into the air by conventional carpets during normal use and care can cause respiratory problems. These chemicals can also cause irritation to the skin and eyes. They can also be carcinogens and reproductive and developmental toxicants. These toxic chemicals can also impact the health of workers who manufacture and recycle the carpets.

Some of these chemical exposures can result in asthma, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, eye irritation and skin problems. Regular carpet cleaning with Zerorez removes these contaminants from the home, improving overall air quality and reducing the risk of allergies and asthma. It also helps prolong the life of your carpet and prevents the onset of mold and mildew.

Allergens like dust mites, pollen and pet dander get trapped in the fibers of traditional carpets. These allergens are disturbed during vacuuming and other activities and become re-circulated in the home, causing symptoms in those with allergies or sensitivities. Having your carpets regularly deep cleaned by Zerorez removes these particles and significantly decreases the incidence of allergic reactions.

Conventional carpet is made with toxic chemical adhesives, dyes and backings. The synthetic styrene butadiene rubber used on 95% of carpets off gasses styrene and 4-PC, which have both been linked to cancer. Other toxic chemicals include flame retardant chemicals, polyvinyl chloride, urethane, polypropylene, antistatic agents and stain repellents. Many of these are derived from petroleum and release toxic byproducts into the air when they off gas.

There are alternatives to toxic healthycarpetsnow.com and rugs, but the most popular ones are primarily wool or polyester. Typically, they require toxic dyes and are heavily treated with pesticides during production. They may even be sprayed with fungicides during the weaving process.

Another option is to look for a natural fiber with a low off-gassing rating and no toxins in the manufacturing process. Hemp is an excellent choice, but it does not have a very soft feel and requires a lot of chemical processing before it can be made into carpet.

Look for a line of carpet with a green label or LEED certification. FLOR is a good option, as it is made from 100% recycled face fibers and is modular for easy installation. Other options are Eco-Felt, Earth Weave, Nature’s Carpet Dark Green and FloorEver PetPlus with Microban. Look for a label that looks for PFAS (perfluorinated chemicals) as well. These are the same toxic chemicals found in non-stick cookware and that have been linked to cancer, birth defects and other health problems.

Is Duct Cleaning Really Necessary?

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Air ducts are a passageway for dirty air to move from rooms to the heating and cooling system, where it’s cleaned and then returned to the room after filtration. Over time, a dirty duct system can build up dust, insect carcasses and rodent droppings, nests and other debris. The resulting dust may be blown around the house by the heating and cooling system’s fans, or settle on surfaces such as furniture, beds, walls, carpets and floors.

Duct cleaning companies use specialized tools to dislodge and vacuum away the debris in your home’s ventilation system. The ducts are then rinsed with a special disinfectant and dried with a HEPA-approved vacuum cleaner. It’s important to choose a trustworthy, certified duct cleaning service. Check Saskatoon duct cleaning customer reviews on unbiased third-party websites such as Google, Facebook and HomeStars before hiring. Avoid services with high-pressure sales tactics or claims that they can guarantee results. Look for the NADCA logo on a company’s website to ensure they meet national industry standards for duct cleaning and other HVAC services.

Although the premise of cleaning your air ducts sounds reasonable, government studies from the United States and Canada and health professionals do not endorse this practice as a routine measure for improving indoor air quality. There is no proof that dust in your ducts poses any kind of health risk, and it’s unlikely to become airborne unless you disturb it with cleaning equipment.

Your ductwork transports millions of visible and invisible pollutants and contaminants into your home, office or store each day. These include pet dander, microbes, pollen, mildew and mold. The combination of these substances can trigger allergies and asthma in people who are sensitive to them.

Dirty ducts can also contribute to mold growth and cause other problems. Mold in the ducts can block airflow and create a musty smell. In addition, it can contaminate air and water supplies and lead to the spread of mold spores throughout the house.

A thorough duct cleaning can eliminate the debris in your vents and the corresponding health risks. However, before hiring a professional duct cleaning company, it’s best to discuss the issue with your doctor or allergist. They can recommend alternatives to duct cleaning or offer suggestions on how to improve your indoor air quality.

If you have respiratory issues, it’s a good idea to get your ductwork cleaned by a professional once a year. This will minimize the amount of dust that circulates throughout your house, making it a healthier place to live and work.

In order to keep your ductwork clean, it’s essential that you change your furnace filter regularly and maintain the cleanliness of your heating and cooling system. Make sure you hire a certified air duct cleaning service, such as the one offered by Bridge City Duct Cleaning. The reputable service will thoroughly clean your vents, furnace, and other components of your heating and cooling system to help you breathe easier during the colder Saskatchewan winter months.