[Hilton]

BBC news today reporting new study carried out in Scotland reporting information we all ready know about the problems with dust mites and their droppings and the allergies associated with that namely runny nose, eyes coughing lack of sleep etc, the report estimates that 12million people in the UK could be affected and offers this advise.

These include dusting regularly with a damp duster followed by a dry cloth, washing bedding once a week at 60 degrees or higher and regularly steam-cleaning carpets and curtains. Other tips include using allergy protectors on mattresses, duvets and pillows, replacing the mattress every eight to 10 years and buying new pillows every year.

They then get Allergy UK to respond and they come out with their stock answer when questioned, to remove all carpets and fit hard floors, no one ever and mean ever challenges this despite the biggest ever survey carried out in Sweden many years ago which proved the exact opposite.

The BBC for balance (or rather lack of it) take Allergy UK at their word because of course they are the experts,    and never ask for a response from the representatives of this industry ie NCCA.So once again we have a one sided report in favour of the wooden floor industry backed by Allergy UK, despite the report recommending 'Steam Cleaning' of carpets.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk/  Go here and click watch & Listen 'Are You Allergic To Your Home' to see the report.

[Adam P]

does seem very common. many times i'll just be cleaning bedrooms and landing/stairs as the customers has hard floor in the rest of the house to reduce allergens/dirt. only reason they have carpet in the bedrooms is because it's comfier

[John Kelly]

Lost count the number of times I heard "we are having the carpets cleaned because my daughter/son has Asthma. Then proceed to move bed and find 3 inchs of dust and fluff.

[Shaun_Ashmore]

I love it when you get a seasoned smoker who has breathing difficulties due to their habit and have me clean areas in their home and expect it to enhance their breathing while they are still puffing away talking to me.

Shaun

[Mark Lawrence]

No only in Sweden but more recently in Germany - a study commissioned by the DAAB (the German Allergy and Asthma Society) in 2005 which conclusively proved that hard floors are worse for allergies.

Mark

[wynne jones]

My favourite is 'allergy sufferers' who don't want any chemicals or deoderisers used because they will die if they are exposed to them, you turn up and there's Glade plugins everywhere.

[John Kelly]

Went to a flood job some time ago policyholder was a foster carer, she had about 5 kids there and she had a little toddler on her lap when I went to get her to sign my job sheets. She said he had chronic Asthma and had nearly died a few weeks earlier. I knealt down to get my sheets out of my bag and I couldn't breath, I also suffer from mild Asthma. She had 8 plugin air fresheners. in one room. I told the stupid cow that she was probably killing the little blighter.

[Shaun_Ashmore]

Your heavy breathing is from when you have to put your hand in your pocket brings on a nervous reaction 

Shaun

[John Kelly]

And that from a YORKSHIREMAN

[Hilton]

Lost count the number of times I heard "we are having the carpets cleaned because my daughter/son has Asthma. Then proceed to move bed and find 3 inchs of dust and fluff.

And its even worse with hard floors/wood, the dust moves and collects in great clumps under the beds and chairs it has know where else to go and nothing to trap it ie a carpet.

I have had this debate countless times with hard floor aficionados eventually after much head shaking they have to agree to the blindingly obvious that dust is constantly on the move in great numbers and at child height all day long on wooden floors no matter how much damp cleaning and vacuuming you do, if their is nothing to trap it and hold it in place until vacuumed.

My own niece who has been completely sold on the Allergy UK advice, has no carpets in her house and suffers tremendously as a result as do my 2 little great nieces who both have eczema and are now developing asthma, of course they could have got these any way, but the dust mite exacerbates it.