Does Flooring Materials Have an Effect on Indoor Air Quality

Did you know that some pollutants in the air can be 2 to 5 times higher than standard outdoor concentrations? This is important to know as the average person spends 90 percent of their time indoors. There are many reasons for the rise in indoor air pollutants, such as energy-efficient building construction that lets in outdoor air and the increased use of synthetic building materials.

Knowing this, it’s important to be selective about the materials and furnishings you bring into your home. Today, we are going to talk about how flooring materials impact indoor air quality (IAQ) and some healthy options to consider for your home.

Flooring Materials and their Impact on IAQ

Indoor air quality refers to the quality of the air within a building. It has an effect on our general health, well being and comfort levels. IAQ constantly changes due to humidity, gases, outdoor pollution, temperature, ventilation, pets, etc. Let’s look at some of the ways flooring contributes to IAQ.

• Contaminants. Dust, pet dander and other allergens can get trapped in flooring, such as carpet. It may be brought in from the outdoors, or it may exist indoors. A buildup of these pollutants can trigger allergy symptoms and asthma attacks. Always choose flooring that is easy to vacuum and keep clean.
• VOCs. Some flooring selections contain high levels of VOCs. These chemicals are often found in drywall, paint, floor coverings and furnishings. Even though VOCs are in all man-made products, some products have low-VOC certifications. These flooring materials use nontoxic adhesives, underlayments that prevent mold growth and limited polishes, waxes and finishes.

Healthiest Flooring Options for Your Home

Here are some great flooring options to consider for your home. They are healthy and easy to keep clean.

• Hardwood. Hardwood flooring in NJ is durable, timeless and beautiful. It won’t trap contaminants, making it a great choice for improved IAQ. If you’re looking to bring natural elements into your home, you won’t be disappointed with hardwood.
• Luxury vinyl tile. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) replicates the look of stone, ceramic or hardwood, but no extra care is needed. It’s water resistant and easy to keep clean, so you don’t have to worry about trapping pollutants that will make your family sick.
• Laminate. Like vinyl, laminate flooring in NJ is easy to maintain and won’t harbor bacteria. It is made to look like natural wood or stone, so you’ll always have a great selection to choose from. Laminate is also water-resistant, scratch-resistant and durable.

As you can see, the flooring materials in a home do have an impact on indoor air quality. To explore healthy, low VOC flooring options like hardwood, luxury vinyl tile and or laminate, visit Woodhaven Lumber.