February 10, 2014
Carpet vs. Hard Flooring: What the Airmid Healthgroup Studies Reveal About Indoor Air Quality
Shaw Industries Group, Inc.—the world’s largest carpet manufacturer—partnered with Airmid Healthgroup to conduct a series of studies comparing the impact of carpet and hardwood flooring on indoor air quality (IAQ).
The research challenged conventional assumptions that hard flooring is always better for asthma and allergy sufferers. Instead, results showed that when carpets are effectively cleaned, they can trap allergens and particles, preventing them from becoming airborne and contributing positively to IAQ.
Carpet, Hard Flooring, and Allergens
Carpeting has long been linked with allergen exposure, often leading to recommendations that people with asthma and allergies avoid carpets in favor of hard floors. While carpets can harbor higher concentrations of dust, bacteria, fungi, and house dust mites than hard flooring, what matters most is the concentration of bio-contaminants in the air we breathe, not just what resides on surfaces.
Testing in Airmid’s Environmental Chambers
To investigate further, Airmid researchers used environmental test chambers to aerosolize allergen-containing dust onto both hard and carpeted flooring. The team then simulated normal room activity such as walking and ball bouncing.
Findings included:
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Lower airborne particle counts with carpeting compared to hard floors.
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Airborne allergen levels with carpeting were no greater than with hard flooring.
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Allergens tended to accumulate in the carpet base rather than re-entering the air.
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Cleaning carpets reduced surface and base allergens and significantly lowered airborne particle counts.
Examination of three used carpets from US homes produced similar results—cleaning led to reduced allergen levels and better air quality outcomes.
Rethinking Flooring Recommendations
These findings contrast with widespread beliefs. Rather than recommending hard flooring as a default for allergy and asthma management, the studies suggest that guidance should focus on thorough and effective cleaning practices. Well-maintained carpets can contribute to healthier indoor air, offering benefits comparable to hard flooring when it comes to airborne allergen exposure.
About Airmid Healthgroup
Airmid Healthgroup works with global clients—including Dyson, LG, Tarkett, 3M, Stanley Steemer, and Fellowes—to validate health-related product claims through independent scientific testing. Specializing in allergens, viruses, bacteria, mold, and ultra-fine particles, Airmid provides services such as environmental chamber studies, field research, and product validation to improve indoor environments and support healthier living.
Related Tests and Services at Airmid Healthgroup
Related Blogs and Case Studies at Airmid Healthgroup
Tarkett FiberFloor® Achieves Certification for Healthy Indoor Air
Study: Airborne Exposures to Allergen and Particles With and Without Carpeting
Environmental Test Chambers: Driving Product Innovation and Healthier Indoor Air
About Shaw Floors
Shaw Industries Group, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company, is the world’s largest carpet manufacturer and a leading provider of hardwood, laminate, resilient, tile & stone flooring, and synthetic turf. With more than $4.5 billion in annual sales and 23,000 employees, Shaw serves residential and commercial markets worldwide.
For more information, visit shawfloors.com.
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