A new study by The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has reaffirmed the important role carpet flooring can play in improving indoor air quality (IAQ) by trapping airborne particles and reducing their circulation within indoor environments.
The findings suggest that properly maintained carpet flooring can contribute to healthier indoor spaces by capturing particulate matter more effectively than hard surface flooring.
Carpet Captures More Airborne Particles
According to the CRI research, carpet fibers act as a natural air filter, capturing particulate matter (PM) that would otherwise remain suspended in the air. The study found that particulate matter decayed more rapidly in carpeted environments than on hard flooring surfaces. In addition, increased foot traffic helps embed contaminants deeper into the carpet pile, reducing the likelihood that particles will become airborne again.
Indoor Air Quality Remains a Growing Concern
The findings come as indoor air quality continues to gain attention as a public health issue.
According to the American Lung Association’s annual air quality report, 44% of Americans live in areas with compromised air quality.
While traffic emissions and climate change remain major contributors, the growing number of data centers has also emerged as an additional source of airborne pollution. These outdoor pollutants can enter commercial buildings, making effective filtration and proper flooring maintenance increasingly important.
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Proper Carpet Maintenance Is Essential
CRI emphasizes that the health benefits of carpet depend on proper maintenance practices. The institute recommends using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuums to effectively remove trapped particles from carpet fibers.
Cleaning personnel should receive appropriate training on vacuum frequency and cleaning techniques while following manufacturers’ maintenance recommendations.
For carpets cleaned using encapsulation or steam cleaning methods, CRI advises ensuring the flooring is completely dry after cleaning to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. By combining regular maintenance with appropriate cleaning methods, carpet flooring can help support healthier indoor environments while contributing to improved indoor air quality in commercial buildings.
