A water-damaged carpet can cause many problems to your Toronto and area home and lead to exposure issues caused by mould, bacteria, and allergens. A soaked carpet is the perfect breeding ground for mould, bacteria, and fungi, which can be detrimental to your health. A wet carpet can also trigger allergic reactions in some people with weakened immune systems, causing flu-like symptoms and respiratory problems.
If you have had carpet water damage recently, it’s crucial to take immediate action and get water damage restoration services. It’s because there are health risks that come with a water-damaged carpet you wouldn’t want to expose your family to:
Health Risks That Come with a Water-Damaged Carpet
Dangers of Mould and Mildew
Water-damaged carpets can pose serious health risks due to the growth of mould and mildew. These fungi thrive in moist environments and can cause serious respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health problems.
Mould and mildew can result in a variety of health problems, including:
- Respiratory problems
- Skin irritation
- Allergic reaction
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Infections
If you have a water-damaged carpet, it’s essential to have it cleaned and dried as soon as possible to prevent the growth of mould and mildew. A professional carpet cleaning company will have the necessary equipment to properly cleah and dry your carpet, preventing the growth of these harmful fungi.
Risks of Bacteria and Viruses
Bacteria and viruses can thrive in wet conditions, and carpets are the perfect breeding ground for them. If you have a water-damaged carpet, it’s important to know of the risks and take steps to protect yourself and your family.
Bacteria and viruses can cause various illnesses, ranging from mild to severe. Some more common illnesses include influenza, Legionnaires’ disease, and Staphylococcus infections. These illnesses can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, including carpets. In some cases, they can also be spread through the air, making them even more dangerous.
Dangers of Dust Mites
We all know that dust mites are minuscule creatures that thrive in dusty environments. You may not know that these same dust mites can also thrive in water-damaged carpets. This is because water-damaged carpets are the perfect breeding ground for dust mites.
Dust mites cause several health problems, including asthma, allergies, and even skin rashes.
Risks of Chemicals and Toxins
One of the biggest dangers of a water-damaged carpet is the presence of harmful chemicals and toxins. These can come from the cleaning and disinfecting products you may attempt to use, as well as any mould or mildew that has started to grow. Inhaling these chemicals can cause several respiratory problems, including asthma and bronchitis. Skin contact can also lead to rashes, itching, and other irritation.
What to Do to Minimize Health Risks Associated With Water-Damaged Carpets
There are a number of things you can do to minimize the health risks:
- Ventilate the area as much as possible, by opening windows if it is dry outside and using a fans.
- Use dehumidifiers to absorb the moisture evaporating out of the carpet into the air of the wet rooms
- Avoid using any cleaning products that contain harmful chemicals.
- If you must walk on the carpet, wear rubber boots to protect your skin.
- Remove all moisture sensitive materials from the affected area such as books, paintings, wooden items and fabrics. These can absorb the moisture evaporating from the carpet and become damaged or cause secondary mould growth
- If you have children or pets, keep them away from the area until it’s been cleaned.
Conclusion
A water-damaged carpet can pose many health risks to you and your family. These risks can include mould growth, bacteria and virus growth, and even allergic reactions. If you suspect that your carpet has been damaged by water, it is important to get a professional carpet cleaning service immediately.
All Star Chem-Dry is a trusted carpet cleaning company in Toronto. Make sure your family is safe from water damage-related problems by getting your carpet cleaning services as soon as possible. Get a quote for our services today!
