A survey of carpet cleaning technicians, cleaning professionals, and facility managers conducted in April  for US manufacturer U.S. Products, revealed that 43 percent believe ‘carpeting improves or can help protect indoor air quality (IAQ)’. Meanwhile, fewer than 30 percent disagreed, while the remainder were unsure.
More than half (55 percent) of the 69 respondents said that they have ‘researched information on how carpets may or may not impact IAQ’, while the rest indicated they had not done any research on the subject.
However, 59 percent indicated they already had ‘adequate information’ as to the impact, pro or con, carpets may have on IAQ.
According to Mark Baxter, an engineer with U.S. Products, ‘it is fairly well documented that carpets, because they act like a filter and absorb dust and other impurities, actually help protect IAQ.’ “But we also know they do this most effectively if they are properly maintained and kept clean, which usually requires the use of hot-water carpet extractors,” he says.
As stated in the press release, the survey also asked if the respondents were aware of the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label programme, which certifies carpets that have a reduced impact on IAQ, as well as the vacuum cleaners and extractors used to clean carpets. 62 percent said yes, “but a surprisingly high, 38 percent, said no,” says Baxter.
“I believe that the survey shows that more and more people realise the benefits of carpeting in helping not only to protect IAQ but human health overall.”