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Contributor(s) |
Braun, WX, Carpet & Rug Institute, Dalton, USA; Cicciarelli, BA, Solutia Inc., Pensacola, USA; Davidson, DL, Solutia Inc., Pensacola, USA; Hart, EH, Solutia Inc., Pensacola, USA; Luedtke, A, Dupont Inc., Kennesaw, USA; McIntosh, K, Carpet & Rug Institute, Dalton, USA; Peoples, PR, Solutia Inc., Pensacola, USA |
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Abstract |
It is estimated that Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors and there has been an epidemic increase in asthma and allergy worldwide. These observations have driven debate on the role of carpeting and its impact on indoor air quality and health.
This paper reviews studies, employing computational fluid dynamics modeling, to elucidate the interaction of dust mite antigen (modeled as spherical particles) with soft vs. hard flooring surfaces and their ability to allow resuspension into the
breathing zone. We have found, contrary to conventional wisdom, carpet can play an important positive role in the health of an indoor space. Quantitative results indicate carpet can function in a filter-like capacity by trapping and holding particulate
matter out of the breathing zone. When used in combination with proper maintenance and cleaning equipment, carpeting may function to maintain and improve a healthy indoor air environment.
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