Both stained and flooded carpets are annoying for homeowners and difficult to handle. Also, you must not want to invest in carpet replacement, which is an expensive option while dealing with a water-damaged carpet. Additionally, a water-damaged carpet is a potential health hazard, especially for those who are suffering from respiratory ailments. It can also cause disease in healthy humans and pets. Hence, water damaged carpet cleaning is a must to prevent health risks.
This article shares some of the most common health risks associated with water damaged carpets.
Allergies and Allergic Reactions
One of the most common health issues that come with flooded carpets is allergic reactions. These allergic reactions are caused by the spores of mould and mildew. Since water damaged carpets are wet, mould and mildew thrive in these conditions. Their spores are allergens, causing allergic reactions on the skin along with respiratory allergies.
Some of the common allergic reactions that water-damaged carpets can trigger if water damaged carpet cleaning is not performed on time:
- Skin irritation and rashes
- Eye irritation
- Throat irritation
- Persistent coughing
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
In serious cases, allergies due to spores from water damaged carpets may also cause restricted breathing and breathlessness.
To prevent the risk of mould growth and the triggering of allergies, water damaged carpet cleaning within 24–48 hours is crucial.
Respiratory Problems
Water damaged carpets can lead to a lot of respiratory problems, such as:
- Asthma
- Cystic fibrosis
- Tuberculosis
Since water damaged carpets can trap pollutants such as pet dander, mould spores, dirt, dust and dust mites, they cause severe respiratory issues. Individuals at home who are already suffering from respiratory problems like asthma are at a greater risk of aggravating them.
When inhaled, the pollutants and allergens enter the nasal chamber and the respiratory tract. This causes inflammation of the lungs, making the airways narrow. Breathlessness and wheezing sounds from the chest during breathing are most commonly experienced.
If water damaged carpet cleaning is not done on time, it can result in several fungal infections of the lungs, too.
Skin Problems
When the settled mould and mildew spores on the carpet are disturbed, they travel through the air and come in contact with the skin, resulting in the following:
- Skin rashes and irritation
- Swelling
- Itching
- Eczema
- Hives
Neurological Issues
Excessive growth of mould and mildew on water damaged carpets may cause the following neurological problems:
- Mood swings
- Memory loss
- Migraines
- Chronic fatigue
- Uneasiness
Neglecting these neurological issues may result in worsening at a later stage.
Conclusion
Hence, it is best to go for water damaged carpet cleaning immediately or keep your family and loved ones away while treating the damaged carpet. If the carpet is severely damaged, you should contact the water damage restoration company immediately or discard the carpet if it cannot be restored in a hygienic form.
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