Carpets give a different outlook to your room and add a new dimension to the overall look. Keeping your carpets clean is very important not only for aesthetic reasons, but also for the well being and health of the people in the house. It looks clean to the naked eye but it contains dirt, bacteria etc. which can pose serious health problems. So, you should know whether the carpets at your home are making you sick.
On an average, carpet accumulates dirt up to 40 pounds a year. Dangerous germs are found in the carpets. The accumulated irritants may cause respiratory issues, skin problems. Another major threat is the growth of molds, which can create more problems.
Carpets contain carcinogens such as toluene, benzene, acetone etc. which can prove to be very toxic. If you are experiencing hallucinations or respiratory illness, it can be due to the toxic emissions of your carpets. The formation of mold on the carpets can also be a major concern. This formation is due to moisture and water contents. If you are living in a wet and rainy area, you might need to deal with this problem more often. The carpets should be kept dry and should be properly vacuumed. When there is a musty smell but you are not able to point out visual evidence, it can be due to molds.
It has been found that more people get sick after getting a new carpet set. There are various symptoms which can be related to this:
- Headache
- Respiratory problems
- Skin rash
- Burning eyes and throat.
- Musty, unpleasant odor around the house.
The norovirus is a germ which can survive on the carpets and can cause stomach flu. Proper cleaning should be done to control the allergen levels. It is recommended to vacuum at least once a week. Professionally clean wall-to-wall and area carpeting at least once a year using non- toxic cleaning agents. Some carpet materials give off gaseous volatile organic compounds which can cause headaches and respiratory problems.
Every carpet has a lifespan as mentioned by the manufacturer. Post the expiry date, it is always advisable to replace the carpets with new ones. Hiring expert carpet cleaners to visit your home whenever such problems arise is highly recommended so that not only the issue is detected but also the cause of the problem is removed so that it is not reiterated.