Homeowners all over the world quickly become aware that no matter their diligence in vacuuming, carpets and rugs are all doomed to collect dirt over time despite all efforts in the contrary. Children and pets can take their tolls on carpeted walkways, and culinary accidents are bound to occur even in households with neither child nor pets.
It's impossible to foresee the damages that a carpet can incur. And so a deep carpet cleaning is a necessity - usually once a year. But how safe are the chemicals that professional carpet cleaning companies employ? Just like any cleaner, carpet cleaners utilize some toxic ingredients, and often these carpet cleaning companies are not required to reveal this information, as these toxic ingredients can fall under legally protected "trade secrets."
Spot removers can be particularly hazardous to home residents' health, as they are likely to contain chemical solvents like those used at a dry cleaning facility. These chemicals release a strong odor into the air as they dissolve dirt without using soap or water, and fumes released can potentially be dangerous. Some carpet cleaning companies may use dangerous fume-producing chemical compounds like that of formaldehyde, disinfectants, lye (sodium hydroxide), acids, pesticides, and fragrances.
Locally bought carpet cleaning fabric and stain repellents (sometimes called "guards" or "stain guards") have the possibility of containing dangerous ingredients, such as plastics. Once considered harmless, perfluoro-octane sulfonate (PFOS) was found to not be chemically inert, but rather a harmful organic pollutant (POP). PFOS is a hormone disruptor, and can gather in the living tissue of both human and animal. This ingredient was a staple in 3M's popular Scotchgard cleaner, and remained so for years after the compound was found to be dangerous. Teflon - used in non-stick pans as well as fabric protectors - also employs a perfluorinated compound which could potentially be dangerous and is
currently being tested for safety.
The chemicals in carpet cleaning products can evaporate during either application or drying, and cause indoor pollution. Lack of ventilation can make this a more likely possibility, and during more humid seasons the risk is yet greater. This kind of air pollution can cause headaches, asthma attacks, congestion, sneezing, irritation to the eyes, nose, and lungs, coughing, nausea, and fatigue.
Interestingly, there is a suspected link between the chemicals used in carpet cleaning and Kawasaki Disease. Though there is limited evidence of this connection, long-term exposures can up the risk for fatal diseases like heart or liver cancer. This of course depends on the chemicals present.
A residue can be left on carpet fibers by carpet cleaning materials. This residue is virtually undetectable to the touch or upon sight, but can potentially cause a rough texture in the carpet, and sometimes can be detected by smell. This residue actually counters cleanliness, and attracts dirt with its sticky texture. Children or animals who play on the carpet are likely to inhale these residues, or to stick them in their mouths via their hands.
The risk involved in carpet cleaning dry shampoos, powers, and foams is that these also can be left on the carpet. The detergents and solvents are meant to be removed after application, and so any residue that has sunk deep into the carpet can be potentially dangerous. If these powers are inhaled they may spur asthma attacks. Some powers can cause skin or eye irritation, and some fragrances that these powers incorporate may irritate asthma.
Hence, when employing the services of cleaning companies, keep in check the chemicals they use. Some local companies offer extra for their customers by going green and you can find such companies whether you are living in tropic Hawaii or in an urban city like Charlotte, North Carolina.
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