What Is Hypoallergenic Wood?

Hypoallergenic Wood

• Hypoallergenic wood is wood less likely to cause an allergic reaction than standard wood or other materials. Hypoallergenic means lower or less allergenic; it does not guarantee that it is allergen free. Cork, a wood taken from the inner bark of a cork tree, is touted as a hypoallergenic wood choice. It can be installed without using glue, which increases its attraction because adhesives can contain allergens and irritating chemicals.

Uses

• Cork is most commonly used as a hypoallergenic option for wood flooring. Carpeting attracts and holds onto common allergens such as dust and pet dander. Vacuuming stirs the allergens up into the air, actually increasing the risk of someone experiencing an allergic reaction. Cork doesn’t release many allergens; it also doesn’t hold onto them the way carpet does. Its low-static surface actually repels dust and fur. Damp mopping a cork floor removes allergens instead of spreading them around your home.

Drawbacks

• The FDA does not regulate the use of the term hypoallergenic when it comes to products including wood and cosmetics. A company can advertise that wood is hypoallergenic, but there is no standard to which it is compared to. Wood floors require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking nice. They can be expensive to fix if damaged by pet claws, shoe scuffs or scratches from furniture. Installing hypoallergenic wood will not remove all allergens from your home; it just helps prevent them from sticking to your floor.

Other Considerations

• If you are looking for other options for your home flooring that will help relieve allergy symptoms, consider natural linoleum. It is constructed of sawdust, oil and pigments. It doesn’t attract allergens and is easily cleaned. It makes a better option for use in bathrooms because it stands up to water exposure better than wood. Reducing the number of knickknacks in your home, replacing upholstered furniture with wooden or plastic choices, and not having pets such as cats or dogs can all reduce the amount of allergens in your house.