How your choice of flooring impacts indoor air quality

When it comes to creating a healthy indoor environment, many focus on paint, ventilation, and humidity levels. However, one of the most crucial factors that is often overlooked is flooring. As flooring is in every room throughout a building, the type of flooring you choose can significantly impact indoor air quality (IAQ).

We’ll explore how different flooring materials influence IAQ and what you can do to make informed choices, and how Karndean Designflooring compares to other floors in terms of IAQ.

Understanding indoor air quality

Air quality is important for all of us. Before diving into the specifics of flooring, it’s important to understand what indoor air quality entails. IAQ refers to the air quality within and around buildings, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of occupants. Poor IAQ can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, and long-term conditions.

Key factors affecting IAQ

Chemical emissions: Many flooring materials release VOCs, which are chemicals that can evaporate at room temperature. Prolonged exposure to VOCs can lead to headaches, nausea, and other health concerns.

Dust and allergens: Some types of flooring can trap dust, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens. Carpets, for example, can hold onto these particles deep within, making them difficult to remove.

Moisture and mould: Some flooring materials can retain moisture, leading to mould growth, which can further degrade air quality.

Ease of maintenance and cleaning: Naturally the easier a floor is to clean, the more hygienic the floor will be.

All Karndean Designflooring luxury vinyl plank and luxury vinyl tile flooring ranges have a low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) rating, ensuring the air quality remains healthy.

Unlike many other flooring options, Karndean’s commercial LVT flooring does not trap grime and dirt thanks to the innovative K-Guard+ surface protection wear layer. In fact, vinyl planks and tiles are designed to resist spills, dust mites, and bacterial growth. Karndean’s LVT planks and tiles ensure water stays on the surface, and does not seep into the floor or subfloor, eliminating the chances of harmful mould.

Karndean Designflooring is easy to maintain with only a simple pH-7-neutral cleaner needed to ensure a hygienic space, without using any harsh chemicals that contribute to poor air quality.

Making informed choices

To improve your indoor air quality through flooring, consider the following tips:

Research materials: Always check the specifications and safety data sheets of flooring materials for VOC emissions and other potential health impacts.

Regular maintenance: Keep your flooring clean and well-maintained to minimise dust, allergens, and bacteria growth.

Environmental accreditation: Research what environmental accreditations the flooring may be eligible for and whether these accreditations have been met.

Our LVT and LVP ranges and adhesives are SCS globally certified for FloorScore® indoor air quality and are 100% free from ortho phthalates. 

Karndean has also achieved Indoor Air Comfort® Gold Certification from Eurofins for global compliance in low-emitting construction products.

In conclusion, when it comes to improving indoor air quality, flooring is a vital yet often overlooked aspect. By making informed choices about the materials you select, you can create a healthier, more comfortable living space. Taking the time to consider how your flooring choices impact not only the aesthetics, but also the wellbeing of everyone who enters the building is important for everyone.