Carpet properties that affect the retention of cat allergen

Background: Although the importance of carpeting on airborne levels of cat allergen (Fel d 1) has been demonstrated, no studies have been performed to determine specific properties of carpet that may affect its retention and removal. Objectives: This study characterizes factors that affect the retention of c at allergen on tufted carpets. The experiments were designed to test the hy pothesis that the amount of allergen-containing dust recovered from vacuum samples of tufted carpet sources was dependent on micro (fiber) or macro (c onstruction) retention properties of carpets. Methods: Twenty-six types of custom manufactured carpet were spiked and emb edded with reference dust containing Fel d 1. A standardized vacuum surface sampler was used to recover dust from the samples. Allergen was assayed us ing a standard, monoclonal antibody ELISA. Results: Carpet-surface area and fluorocarbon-fiber treatments were found t o have the largest effects on retention and recovery of cat allergen. The s tyle per se of a carpet, such as loop or cut pile, does not affect allergen retention. These results are generally in agreement with previous studies on dust mite allergen retention. Conclusions: Carpets that are easiest to clean would have the following pro perties for release of cat allergen and in this order: low pile density and height, fluorocarbon coating of fibers, high denier per filament, and a fi ber shape with a low surface area.