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".