Health
Safe. Statistics show that over 40% of injuries occur in and around the home. New Zealand wool carpet will help ensure your family’s health and safety.
Non Slip. Wool carpet is slip-resistant and comfortable to walk and stand on. The texture of the wool pile produces superior surface friction, which is important to maintaining good traction and grip as you walk.
Wool’s unique structure and resilience provide the support and confidence necessary to maintain balance and co-ordination, which are particularly important for fall prevention for toddlers and the elderly.
Cushioning for falls. Slips and stumbles are less likely with New Zealand wool carpet underfoot, and should one occur, the natural softness and resilience of the pile will cushion the fall.
In doing so, much of the damaging impact on the body, which could otherwise cause fractures or head injuries, are harmlessly absorbed by the carpet.
Fire Safety. Wool is naturally resistant to burning. Wool carpets are used in aircraft and cruise ships because wool’s high protein and moisture content make it difficult to set alight. If ignited, wool only burns weakly, limiting the spread of the flame. Compared to synthetics, wool’s inherently low smoke emissions and low flame spread mean that it does not create such dangerous levels of carbon monoxide and other toxic fumes. Wool carpet self-extinguishes due to the upper pile forming a thick insulating char layer that inhibits fire. Wool does not melt which prevents the underlay contributing additional smoke, heat and toxic gases. If wool is exposed to high temperatures, it gives off a strong non-toxic odour which provides an early warning signal.
Static resistant. Do you experience a small, annoying “electric shock” when opening the door to get out of your car, or when you touch the filing cabinet in your office? This is the result of the discharge of static electricity.
The natural moisture in wool carpet prevents the build-up of static. With wool carpet you do not need to worry about unpleasant shocks. Wool carpets with added static resistant materials are excellent for sensitive individuals or locations housing electrical equipment such as computers.
Healthy Posture. Good posture and gait are essential to maintaining good health and physical well-being. Wool carpet provides a naturally supportive platform, whether you are walking, standing, sitting or lying down.
The soft, resilient pile cushioned your body as wool’s natural crimp coils and uncoils, like millions of miniature springs, in response to your movements and body weight.
Safe for Baby. Wool carpet is a naturally soft and springy surface to play on and will keep your baby safe and healthy. Wool is naturally hygienic for babies to crawl and play on because wool’s outer layer makes it difficult for microbes to rest and multiply. Wool also traps bacteria and allergens, keeping them within the carpet pile and out of the air that your baby is breathing.
Falls are the most common cause of non-fatal injuries for under 5-year-olds. The natural texture of wool provides extra grip so that toddlers are less likely to stumble and fall, and if they do, the soft wool will cushion their fall, which can prevent serious injury and give them the confidence and security to get up and try again.
Safe for Pets. For those with pets that are older or have compromised immune systems, carpet that promotes good health is especially important.
Wool is non-allergenic and does not promote the growth of bacteria, dust mites or give off harmful emissions, making it a safe and healthy choice. The natural warmth and softness of wool, makes it a comfortable choice that pets of all ages can curl up and enjoy.
Clean Air. Scientific evidence shows that New Zealand wool can absorb indoor contaminants and purify the air of harmful gases, such as formaldehyde.
Natural Filter. Wool acts as a natural filter, trapping particles such as dust, pollen and fungal spores, keeping them out of the breathing zone where they could cause respiratory problems. These particles are not easily dislodged from your carpet through normal use but are easily removed by vacuuming or professional cleaning.
Gases produced by cooking, heating, building materials and household products all degrade air quality. Wool captures many of the common pollutant gases, neutralising and binding them irreversibly in its structure.
Humidity moderating. Wool’s unique structure absorbs up to 20% of its own weight in water vapour without feeling damp. Everyday activities such as showering, cooking or doing the laundry can cause sudden peaks of humidity in your home.
Wool absorbs and stores the excess moisture, reducing condensation that can cause mould and respiratory problems. When humidity drops, moisture is diffused back into the atmosphere where it aids your skins hydration. Wool provides a natural moisture buffer, enhancing the comfort and well-being of your family and guests.
Temperature moderating. Scientific studies have identified indoor thermal comfort as a major factor in cardiovascular and respiratory problems. Thermal comfort is related to heating, temperature and perception. Wool provides natural insulation preventing heat loss and generates heat from the energy of absorbing moisture.
In winter, wool feels warm and soft, promoting a feeling of coziness and comfort. In summertime, wool carpets reduce heat rising through the floor and use up heat to release moisture, creating a cool touch and a comfortable environment to relax in.
Low VOC Emission. Wool is a natural fibre that does not give off harmful emissions. Wool carpets are made with backing materials and adhesives that meet stringent VOC (volatile organic compound) standards. VOC’s can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, and even aggravate allergies or asthma.
Research shows the VOC’s from carpets are only a fraction of those from other building materials. VOC’s from cleaning a carpet are up to 5 times lower than cleaning a hard floor.
Any odour from new wool carpets is mostly due to non-toxic latex in the backing. Keeping rooms well ventilated during installations and for a few days afterwards will dissipate any odours.
Allergy Friendly. Your New Zealand wool carpet acts as a natural filter trapping dust and allergens and keeping them out of the breathing zone.
Natural air filters. Wool is naturally non-allergenic and does not provide nutrients for bacteria or dust mites, nor does it promote the growth of moulds.
A wool carpet acts as a natural filter keeping dust and allergens out of the breathing zone so that they cannot enter or irritate the respiratory system.
Non-Irritating. Because most wool fibres are too long and too thick to be inhaled, wool carpet will not irritate the respiratory system or cause sneezing and other unpleasant allergic reactions.
The materials used to make wool carpets are carefully selected to ensure that they present minimal health risks.
Easy to Keep Clean. Wool has outstanding easy-care properties, so regular vacuuming ad periodic professional cleaning are all that is required to keep your carpet clean and healthy. The ridges overlapping layers on the surface of the wool keep dirt in the upper area of the pile where it can be easily removed by vacuuming.
Wool’s natural hydroscopic properties mean that during professional cleaning, the fibres swell, shrugging off dust and other particles so that they are more easily picked up by vacuuming.
In contrast, as synthetic carpets become worn, the pile flattens and cleaning becomes more difficult.
Asthma Safe. Allergens produced by dust mites can trigger asthmatic and other allergic reactions. Dust mites do not feed on wool, relying mostly on dropped skin flakes. Wool acts as a natural filter, trapping allergens in the pile, away from the breathing zone. Vacuuming controls the build-up of the ‘mites’ food source ad their allergens.
Scientists have found no evidence of any increase in allergens or asthma symptoms in homes with carpets or rugs. Studies now suggest that a properly maintained wool carpet can have a beneficial effect on your health.
