| Wool in the Tropics is not a new concept. It has been | | | | mildew problems experienced in the past. Wool fiber |
| used successfully in every type of climate for | | | | also absorbs and neutralizes airborne chemicals and |
| centuries. Only in the recent age of scientific data and | | | | odors. This makes it especially important to those |
| hype have people begun to ask for explanation and | | | | suffering from toxic and allergic reactions to plastics |
| confirmation of what their predecessors took for | | | | and carbon dioxide producing chemicals in the home. |
| granted. Wool is a natural fiber. It breathes, like all | | | | The fact that wool does not produce or add to these |
| natural fibers. Unlike man-made carpets and rugs | | | | toxins and is a carbon neutral fiber qualifies it as a |
| made from petroleum and oil-based products, wool | | | | LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental |
| does not react to heat and humidity like plastic | | | | Design) certified product for home and contract |
| products. Wool fiber can absorb up to 30% of its | | | | projects. Since it is produced by sheep and is also a |
| weight in moisture vapor without feeling damp. So, at | | | | renewable and biodegradable resource, it the perfect |
| times of high humidity, wool absorbs moisture and then | | | | choice for an environmentally responsible homeowner |
| releases this moisture again when the atmosphere is | | | | or contract specifier. |
| dry, acting as an atmospheric buffer. | | | | In tropical climates, walking barefoot on wool carpet |
| In conditions of high humidity, generally found in the | | | | feels cooler, less sticky and more comfortable than |
| tropics, invariably it is the carpet backing that is first | | | | synthetic fiber carpets. When wool releases moisture it |
| affected by mildew, mold, or fungus. Wool fiber is | | | | feels (and is) cooler. Reducing condensation and |
| naturally quite mildew resistant, especially as it will tend | | | | humidity levels in the home is a natural for wool, which |
| to have a relatively low pH acid level. Backings for all | | | | makes it a natural choice for a home in the tropics. |
| carpets can now be treated to avoid the mold and | | | | |