Easier BreathingConcrete floors are a healthier alternative to wall-to-wall carpeting, especially for people with allergies or a sensitivity to chemicals. In fact, when it comes to poor indoor air quality, carpeting can be one of the worst offenders. Concrete floors don't harbor allergens or release harmful chemicals. Bomanite Corporation in Madera, CA First, carpet is difficult to keep clean and often becomes a haven for dust mites and other allergens. Tens of millions of these little critters can live in a square foot of carpeting, and they aren't removed by routine vacuuming. According to Mayo Clinic, an allergy to dust mites can trigger symptoms similar to a cold or hay fever, including congestion and frequent sneezing. Dust mites can even cause a form of asthma, with chronic shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness. To minimize exposure, Mayo recommends removing carpeting where possible. Bare concrete floors won't harbor dust mites and are easy to keep clean with periodic dust or damp mopping.
Synthetic carpets can also emit volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, as can some of the products that accompany carpet installation such as adhesives and padding. Some of the adhesives used under vinyl sheet goods and linoleum can also emit VOCs. Concrete floors, stained with nontoxic pigments, do not emit harmful VOCs. In fact, VOC emissions from concrete building products are much lower than those for most other building materials, according to the Portland Cement Association. Carpet can also be a major source of mold, especially if it becomes wet and the moisture isn't removed completely. Exposure to toxic mold in homes and buildings has been blamed for ailments ranging from headaches to severe respiratory infections and immune system disorders. Mold can thrive on any organic material, especially in warm, moist, humid conditions. Concrete floors won't support the growth of toxic mold. Return to Green Concrete Floors Find a Concrete Contractor 24 Services in 221 Metros -- U.S. and Canada 
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