Carpet Cleaners & Illness

Carpet cleaners, like other astringents, contain a number of chemicals. Most people do not have problems with these chemicals. However, some people react to these chemicals and can actually get very sick. There are several illnesses that are believed to be caused by carpet cleaners.

Identification

• One of the most common types of illnesses or problems associated with carpet cleaners are respiratory illnesses. The Center for Disease Control reported that in November 1982, 17 employees at a hospital clinic developed throat irritation, a cough and respiratory problems at work after a weekend carpet cleaning. Sodium dodecyl sulfate was the active ingredient in the carpet cleaner.

Effects

• Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a condition where people get sick from the chemicals in their environment, including after the use of carpet cleaners. In addition to respiratory problems, people can experience flu-like symptoms, nausea, burning eyes, migraines, fatigue and even body aches.

Kawasaki Disease

• Kawasaki disease is believed to be directly caused by carpet cleaners. It affects young children under five and can cause a rash on the hands, feet, tongue and in the eyes--along with a fever. Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki first recognized these adverse effects in the 1960's and 1970's in Tokyo, Japan.

Considerations

• In most cases, illnesses or symptoms will disappear once the carpet cleaning chemicals have had time to dissipate. Some conditions such as Kaswasaki disease and multiple chemical sensitivities may last longer.

Prevention/Solution

• People who develop illnesses from carpet cleaners should consider using more natural, or environmentally-safe carpet cleaners. These substances do not contain toxic chemicals such as butyl cellosolve that are linked with certain illnesses induced by carpet cleaners.