Why is this important?
Carpeting traps and accumulates dust and, in the presence of moisture, provides an ideal place for bacteria and mould to grow. For these reasons, it should be avoided as much as possible in child care settings. Old carpets can contain up to 400 times as much dust as an adjacent bare floor. New carpeting may off-gas chemicals used in its manufacture or applied to it for stain or fire resistance.
What actions can we take?
- Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting or extensive carpeting.
- Carpeting should be avoided as much as possible in child care settings, particularly in kitchen, eating, bathroom and infant/ baby areas.