When you are searching for new entrance matting for your premises, you will no doubt have various considerations, from how well a given matting solution captures dirt and debris, to whether it is non-slip, not to mention how it looks.
However, another element to consider is whether the entrance matting you are looking at is phthalate-free.
What are phthalates and why are they used in entrance matting?
Phthalates (which is pronounced THAL-ates) is a term used to talk about a group of chemicals that are most commonly used to soften plastics and make them more flexible.
In the context of entrance matting, phthalates are used to make the plastics that comprise the matting more flexible and durable.
Why should we consider avoiding phthalates?
There is growing evidence that, when ingested, phthalates are bad for our health. They are identified as endocrine disruptors, which means they affect our body’s hormone production.
Certain phthalates within this group of chemicals have been banned from use in the likes of children’s toys, as well as any food containers to help prevent people from ingesting them due to contact with seemingly harmless products.
Although our bodies metabolise phthalates relatively quickly, a growing body of research highlights adverse health impacts for both adults and children, especially if they are regularly exposed to such chemicals.
Why is using phthalates in flooring products potentially bad?
While no one is going to ingest phthalates from your flooring directly, there is a chance that these chemicals can be released into the air as the plastics which contain them are worn down by use.
What’s more, if you have an environment where young children are often present, you will want to avoid phthalates in your flooring. This is because small children are more likely to crawl on the floor and then put their hands in their mouths.
The good news is that there are phthalate-free options on the market, such as the Forbo entrance matting product: Forbo Nuway Coral Duo tiles.
This particular range from Forbo not only uses a phthalate-free manufacturing process, but is also a heavy duty product that is perfect for use in areas with high footfall.
Forbo Nuway Coral Duo tiles have excellent moisture absorption, as well as being highly effective at capturing dirt as people enter your premises. According to studies, these tiles retain ten per cent more dirt in the first few metres of flooring than other leading solutions available.
The ribbed construction of these particular tiles not only makes them very effective at keeping the entrance to your building clean, but also ensures that they look good.
What these Forbo entrance matting solutions demonstrate is that you don’t need to use phthalates to create a highly durable and efficient product to keep entranceways clean and clear of water.
Ultimately, the risk from phthalates in products like entrance matting is low because of the way in which it is used and how we typically come into contact with such products. However, as we mentioned, in premises frequented by children, phthalate-free options are especially appealing.