Allergieën

Asthma and allergies have been on the increase for over 50 years.

In the EU, 1 person out of 4 is affected by allergies.

This number continues to rise because we live a great deal of our lives inside buildings, where we are breathing more allergens than we would outdoors.
They can create asthma and asthma-related problems, especially with small children who play on the floor.

What are allergies?

An allergy is an over-reaction of the immune system to some extracorporal substances. While many people consider an allergy to be a reaction to synthetic chemicals, it is more often a reaction to natural substances, specifically proteins from pollen, foodstuffs or bee-stings. The hair of cats, dogs and horses can also be allergens.

What is known?

Nobody knows the cause for allergies with any certainty. New scientific work suggests allergies are a complex illness. Recent research has put forward many new hypotheses as to the development of allergies and asthma:(Source: Royal Society of Edinburgh - 2003)

excessive hygiene
changes in antibiotic use
diet
housing
air pollution
genetics
allergen exposure

Carpet: the answers

All the negative arguments brought against carpet have been proven wrong

Swedish experience has shown that there is no relationship between allergies and carpet (see next page).
Carpet is not a natural habitat for dust mites

Allergies and flooring: the Swedish experience

The Swedish experience has proven that allergies are not related to the presence of carpet: allergies increased threefold between 1975 and 1995, despite carpets being removed and replaced by hard floors in more than 70% of bedrooms.
(Source: Schwedisches Institut für Faser- und Polymerforschung)