Dalton, GA, February 21, 2006--For a healthy floor, The Dow Chemical Company prescribes carpet backed with its high-performance polyurethane technology. Healthcare facilities demand flooring that can handle a host of specific issues from hygiene to durability.
To further address these concerns, Dow is exhibiting at the 2006 International Conference and Exhibition on Health Facility Planning, Design and Construction (PDC), which will be held February 26 to March 1 in San Diego, California.
During the planning and design stages, today’s healthcare facilities are faced with a list of special issues to consider, including how to create a flooring that offers superior performance, ergonomics and durability. Dow polyurethane technology is designed to improve a carpet’s performance, no matter what the conditions. It enables carpet to accommodate health industry concerns like roller mobility, heavy traffic, odors, spills, stringent safety requirements and aggressive wear and tear.
Dow says that backings made with its polyurethane technology offers improved adhesion to the carpet’s yarn, and better tuft bind for the life of the carpet--even in the most intensive use situations. To further extend the life and appearance of the carpet, a functional liquid barrier can be added to the backing. It impedes fluids and dirt from penetrating the carpet’s subfloor, reducing odors and staining. It also allows for an aggressive maintenance program, including hot water extraction.
Dow Enforcer Technology, as it is called, works well for healthcare and assisted living facilities. For non-cushioned backing, Enforcer Technology provides easy mobility for wheel chairs, carts and hospital beds. It’s also useful in lobbies, administrative offices, cafeterias and even hospital rooms.
Cushioned carpet backing made with Dow Enforcer Technology reduces the chance of slips compared with hard surfaces, allows for wheeled mobility and reduces leg fatigue (in nurse’s stations, for example). Plus, it decreases noise levels.
"At Dow, we’re focused on developing polyurethane technology that helps carpet perform above customer expectations," said Scott Lowrie, business manager for Dow Polyurethane Floor Coverings Group. "The healthcare industry comes with very high expectations that are a necessary part of ensuring patient health. That’s why Dow polyurethane carpet backing technology is an excellent fit for healthcare facilities that demand the best in performance, safety, durability and appearance."
