Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Soy-based eco-flooring the newest home décor trend

Non-toxic and hypoallergenic flooring choice can help improve indoor air quality
The right flooring and finishing
can mean cleaner, healthier air.

As more and more people become aware of the risks that environmental pollution and household toxins can mean to family members (especially children and seniors), the greater the popularity of “healthy home” choices.

The demand for low VOC paints, stains and materials is growing, as is the market for natural wood cabinets, furniture and flooring – since compressed wood furniture can release VOCs such as formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

One of the latest innovations in eco-flooring choices is a factory-finished floor using 100 percent pure soybean oil that will emit zero VOCs and is hypoallergenic. This particular type of flooring is offered by Mercier Wood Flooring and comes with a 35-year warranty, but many other companies are offering healthier flooring choices.

The soy-based flooring was deemed eco-friendly and healthy, and it picked up the “Children and Schools Certification” by the standards organization Greenguard.

The new product can be applied to all species, colors and finishes and make wood flooring even healthier.
A floor like that may be ideal for kids’ rooms, living rooms or playrooms, daycare settings and schools.

Other healthy flooring choices include natural cork, bamboo flooring and natural grass mats.

Filter out harmful VOCs and chemicals with air purifiers

The volatile organic compounds and chemicals in households, offices and children’s environments can come from a variety of sources, including other building materials, cleaning products, air freshening products, treated textiles and more.
Activated carbon can remove airborne
chemicals and VOCs.

With diligent source control and good ventilation, air quality can be improved, but a high-quality air purifier with activated carbon and HEPA will be even more efficient at removing those indoor air pollutants.

AllerAir’s general purpose air purifiers come in a variety of colors and sizes and can help clean the air around the clock with low energy consumption.

A complete air filtration system with deep-bed activated carbon, HEPA and optional UV is key to removing airborne chemicals, gases, fumes, odors, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses and mold.

Contact AllerAir for more information.