Helping You Protect Your Home

The Health Risks Of A Dirty Carpet

by Bernice Stanley

Most people underestimate the health hazards of a dirty carpet. While your carpet may appear clean, it can host dangerous bacteria and allergens that could cause serious health problems. 

Below are a few significant health issues that a dirty carpet can cause. 

Respiratory Issues 

A dirty carpet often harbors things like dust and pet hair. Simple activities like vacuuming or walking on the carpet spread the contaminants to the indoor air. When inhaled, pet hair and dander can trigger serious allergies. The symptoms of these allergies include:

  • Coughing and wheezing.
  • Red and irritated eyes.
  • Sinus problems.
  • Excessive sneezing.
  • Postnasal drip.
  • Runny nose.

There are specific proteins present on pet dander. These proteins trigger asthma symptoms in some people. So if you're asthmatic, pet dander can make your condition worse. 

A dirty carpet is also a breeding ground for dust mites. These dust mites cause respiratory reactions such as wheezing and breathing difficulties. 

During humid weather, dirty carpets are prone to mold and mildew growth. Wet damp spots underneath form the ideal conditions for mold to thrive. Mold spore inhalation causes inflammation of the bronchioles, making it difficult for you to breathe. The shortness of breath can cause serious discomfort and trigger other health issues.

Skin Irritation 

Most people are unaware of this fact, but dirty carpets can cause skin allergies. The dirt on your carpet may work its way onto your skin, causing irritation and severe infections. 

Dirty carpets can harbor pests like lice which can cause intense itching on your skin. Your skin may react to lice bites and develop red bumps and rashes. Prolonged skin irritation can make your skin turn dull, with visible spots spread out in different parts of your body.  

A dirty carpet can also house bacteria and fungi that can attack your skin. For instance, when bacteria and fungi trapped in your carpet come into contact with your feet, you can develop athlete's foot. You can also suffer severe skin irritation and rashes on your feet.

Stomach Illnesses 

As mentioned earlier, mold spores on a dirty carpet can cause numerous health issues. Mold produces toxic mycotoxins that can wreak havoc to your digestive system if you accidentally ingest the mold spores. 

Mycotoxins can lead to stomach lesions, abdominal pains, and diarrhea. They are also known for causing irritable bowel syndrome. 

Salmonella is another dangerous pathogen that can be found on a dirty carpet. Salmonellosis, an infection caused by these bacteria, causes stomach upsets, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. 

If salmonella works its way into your blood, it can affect other parts of your body, such as:

  • The lining of your heart.
  • The tissue around your spinal cord and brain.
  • The lining of your blood vessels.
  • Your bones or bone marrow. 

Make sure to reach out to a reputable carpet cleaning service to draft a regular cleaning schedule. This way, you can avoid such serious health hazards and keep your indoor environment disease-free. 

Contact carpet cleaners near you to learn more. 

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