Natural Linoleum and Allergy Sufferers
Note for Allergy Sufferers
Prevention of
Household Mites
The number of people suffering
from allergic reactions due to the presence of household
dust mites is continually increasing. The presence of
these mites is one of the major causes of allergy,
asthma, and other respiratory disorders. The best
solution is to avoid dust. Non-textile floor coverings
help to reduce the accumulation of dust and dirt.
Keeping the floor free of dust
is essential because it is the place where dust tends to
accumulate most. Wageningen Agricultural University (the
Netherlands) has conducted a study into the mite
Darmatophagoides pteronyssimus. The study included
testing in both private residences (living rooms and
bedrooms) and schools (classrooms), and showed that
smooth floor coverings have the lowest concentrations of
dust. This is the primary reason the medical profession
often recommends smooth floor coverings, such as
Marmoleum, which can be kept dust-free more quickly and
easily, preventing household mites from multiplying.
The Netherlands Asthma
Foundation also recommends smooth floor coverings, such
as linoleum and vinyl, because they make for simple,
efficient cleaning.
Anti-Static Properties
Static electricity causes
electric charge to accumulate on people or objects. When
discharged, this may give the well-known but unpleasant
"electric shock". Static electricity is also, however, a
very strong magnet to attract and accumulate dust.
Unlike most other floor coverings, Marmoleum possess
naturally occurring anti-static properties. Not only
does this reduce the potential for electric shock, but
it also makes the floor easier to clean in that dust and
dirt will not easily adhere to the floor.
Studies conducted by VIBA (the
Netherlands Association for Integrated Biological
Architecture) and the American Research Institute
Stephen Halpern further underscore the anti-static
properties of linoleum.
In Finland, we are the only
floor covering manufacturer allowed to use the logo
stating:
"In conjunction with the
Allergy and Asthma Federation".
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