Allergic reactions to wool rugs and rugs?

The natural performance of a wool fiber and its durable qualities have protected man for more than 25,000 years. Wool is actually a hypoallergenic fiber. Those who say they are allergic are often referring to the itchy, tickling effect of an old woolen sweater. Sitting or lying on rugs and wool rugs can rarely, if ever, cause the same effect. No one has ever been treated or diagnosed for anaphylactic shock from contact with wool.

Allergies are widespread in the developed world and that problem is increasing for two main reasons:

A large number of synthetic substances and petroleum products are used in the home.

Enhanced diagnosis of allergic conditions is now available to those who suffer from allergies.

There is no reason why people with asthma or allergies should not enjoy the comfort and good looks of carpets and/or rugs. Wool is non-allergenic and does not promote the growth of mites or bacteria. Wool carpet fibers are too long and thick to be inhaled and therefore do not affect asthma sufferers. In fact, hard surface floors allow airborne particles to become disturbed and swirl in the air causing further irritation to hay fever and asthma sufferers.

Recent data from the Central Bureau of Statistics, the Army and the Swedish Flooring Association shows that over the past 20 years, while carpet installation has decreased with the increase in hard surface installations, the number of allergy sufferers has increased dramatically. during the same period.

Wool fibers actually purify indoor air by absorbing gases and pollutants from the air. Wool fibers absorb common indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, without releasing VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). This is one of the reasons why the LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) environmental program accepted wool rugs as the only soft surface floor covering in initial testing of accepted floor covering products. The approved products are rubber, bamboo, linoleum, cork and, of course, wool. All of these products are also rapidly renewable, biodegradable, and carbon neutral.

Wool not only keeps the air free of many harmful pollutants, it does not release them, even when heated. Wool rugs have been estimated to continuously purify indoor air for up to 30 years. What a natural and beautiful way to help the earth and improve the comfort in your own home.

If you hear someone say “I’m allergic to wool” just know that another man-made myth is now explained and hopefully put to rest.