Carpets for Kids - Is It Safe to Use in Classrooms Or Preschools?

Are carpets a source of chemical and biologicallevel between cleanings.
emissions that contribute to poor indoor air quality.Cleaning and Hygiene Related Findings:
Does carpeting in schools contribute to an• The primary objective of all cleaning in
increase in respiratory problems, allergies andschools should be to guard the health of the kids.
asthma in schools? Should schools and preschools• Cleaning should compliment, not replace,
make use of carpets or kids area rugs inbasic hygiene practices such as frequent hand
classrooms?washing, surface disinfection, effective waste
The safety and health of our kids are of thedisposal and management of communicable
utmost importance and therefore the validdisease.
concerns raised with regard to the health issues• Walk off mats should be placed at
around the use of carpets in schools should beentrances to trap pollutants.
addressed. In this article we will review select• Non-toxic cleaning agents should be used.
studies in order to answer some of the health• Carpets should be properly cared for and
concerns that are raised concerning the use ofcleaned within regular intervals.
carpets in schools.• Clean carpets with daily vacuuming with a
Carpet Related Findings:high efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter, and
• Studies found that carpet in schools, whenmonthly hot water extraction.
properly maintained, did not contribute negatively• Do not use chemicals or soap if possible, as
to indoor air quality (The Case of Charles Youngresidues of these can be very irritating when
Elementary School Washington).airborne.
• Indoor air quality readings tended to beBenefits of using Carpets in Classrooms:
higher over hard surfaces than over carpet (The• Carpets reduce slips and falls.
Case of Charles Young Elementary School• Carpets improve acoustics within
Washington).classrooms thereby improving communication and
• Concerns that carpeting in schools islearning.
contributing to an increase in respiratory problems,• Glare is reduced resulting in improved sight.
allergies and asthma in schools were found to be• Classrooms fitted with carpets tend to
unfounded (Hedge, A., 2001.Carpets in schoolsimprove student morale and school pride.
does not compromise indoor air quality. CornellConclusion:
Chronicle Vol. 32, No. 28).The use of carpets in classrooms is a very
• Carpets were found to improve indoor airsensitive discussion point. There are a lot of
quality because it captures and holds dirt,perceptions about the health impact of carpets
contaminants and allergens that would otherwiseand people have strong views on the subject. It is
become airborne (Centers for Disease Control andimportant to base any decision on facts and
Prevention; Healthcare Infection Control Practicesstudies done on the subject by reputed
Advisory Committee (HICPAC) Draft Guideline Forinstitutions. Terrazzo, ceramic tile or concrete,
Environmental Infection Control In Healthcarewith washable children rugs, classroom rugs or
Facilities, 2003).cushions can also be used to great effect in
• When carpets were banned from schools inclassrooms.
Sweden during the late 80's, asthma rates inAdditional Resources:
children skyrocketed (Shishoo, R.L., A Börjesson,• To find information on the health effects of
Claims in Sweden that Textile Floor coveringsa product, one place to start is the product's
Cause Allergic Reactions In Some People HaveMaterial Safety Data Sheet, or MSDS. Companies
Not Been Adequately Proved, Swedish Instituteare required by OSHA to furnish MSDS's to all
of Fibre and Polymer Research, Carpet and Floorusers. If the MSDS does not provide clear or
covering Review).adequate information, other sources can be
• Carpets accumulate a diverse population ofconsulted, including the local or state health
bacteria and fungi that are temporarily reduceddepartments, OSHA, or the internet.
following cleaning only to accumulate to a steady