The Swedish Experiment
Childhood Asthma increased by 300% when carpets were removed from Swedish homes and schools. Previously, there was considerable debate in Sweden, with claims that carpet was the source of harmful contaminants that were resulting in allergic reactions. As a result, Swedish consumers and public building officials severely reduced their use of carpet. However, in 1996, Professors Shishoo and Börjesson, of the Swedish Institute for Fibre Polymer Research, pointed out that while carpet had dropped from a market share of 40% in the mid-1970s to only 2% in 1992, the occurrence of allergic reactions and other environmental sensitivity in the general Swedish population had actually been steadily increasing. Of particular note, since carpet was not recommended for schools, was the fact that the prevalence of childhood asthma had trebled over the same period.
Wool Removes Indoor Air Contaminents
Polluted indoor air can lead to discomfort, reduced efficiency and even ill health amongst employees and residents. Wool carpet has been shown to rapidly neutralise formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, common contaminants in today’s indoor environment.
Not only does wool neutralise these contaminants more quickly and completely than synthetic carpet fibres, it does not re-emit them, even when heated.
Wool carpet may continue purifying the air for up to 30 years.
