In the EU, 1 person out of 4 is affected by allergies.
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)
Carpet: the answers
All the negative arguments brought against carpet have been proven wrong
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)