For this article, let’s analyze why we should consider soot — smoke residue on surfaces — a potential health risk for restorers.

What’s burning?

The combustion efficiency of materials is variable.

An alcohol lamp or propane torch burn cleanly and produce no noticeable odor or residues.

Most materials don’t burn cleanly, creating odor and residue.

The materials burning, availability of oxygen and the combustion temperature all have a significant effect on fire-related residues.

Fires lacking oxygen produce a significantly wider range of compounds, many of which are toxic.

Partial oxidation of carbon produces carbon monoxide; nitrogen can yield hydrogen cyanide, ammonia and nitrogen oxides.

Chlorine (PVC) or other halogens may produce hydrogen chloride, phosgene, dioxin, chloromethane, bromomethane and other halocarbons.

Pyrolysis (chemical change caused by heat) of burning materials results in large quantities of hydrocarbons, both aliphatic (methane, ethane, ethylene, acetylene) and aromatic (benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., benzo(a)pyrene).

Heavier hydrocarbons condense as tar.

The presence of sulfur can form hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and thiols. Residual smoke odors are caused by thiols adsorbed onto surfaces.

Partial oxidation of released hydrocarbons yields aldehydes (formaldehyde, acrolein, furfural, ketones, alcohols, e.g., phenol, cresols), carboxylic acids (formic acid, acetic acid, etc.)

Those are some big words. You can sum it up this way: Be careful you don’t simply think: “It’s just smoke or soot. No problem.”

Take it seriously

Unlike its charming use as stage makeup in the movie, “Mary Poppins,” this fine particulate has been linked to occupational hazards and health problems.

The occupational hazards of soot have been known for hundreds of years.

Percival Pott’s findings on the insidious effects of soot on chimney sweepers (scrotal cancer) in England during the 18th century was a major force in getting the British Parliament to pass the Chimney Sweepers Act of 1788.

The passage of the English Factory Acts beginning in 1833 marked the first effective legislative acts in the field of industrial safety.

Firefighters of today, in spite of extensive health and safety training and personal protective equipment, experience higher incidence of respiratory problems than the general public.

Did you know that:

• Wood smoke has more than 100 chemicals in common with cigarette smoke?

Soot classified as PM 2.5 — particulate matter 2.5 ¬µm (micrometer) in diameter — has been linked to significantly increased risk of death from lung cancer and other severe respiratory ailments. Fine particles of this size and smaller evade the body’s natural defense mechanisms and migrate deep into the lungs.

• Airborne particulate is invisible. There is wisdom in the adage “out of sight, out of mind.”

Soot outdoors is regulated by the EPA. It is a particulate matter classified as a “criteria pollutant” by the EPA, and is an air pollutant for which the agency has established a National Ambient Air Quality Standard, the outdoor 24-hour fine particle standard (35 micrograms per cubic meter).

Safety procedures

Human exposure routes to soot include: Inhalation, skin or eyes and ingestion.

When it is impossible to keep toxic materials contained, it is important to remove contaminated air from the work area and replace it with clean air. Ventilation dilutes and removes airborne hazards and is an effective means of keeping toxic and nuisance materials out of your lungs.

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (respiratory, skin and eye protection).

Use a three-step indoor air quality improvement program: Ventilation, filtration (HEPA) and adsorption (activated carbon) to restore indoor air quality following fire and smoke damage.

Our level of awareness is influenced by a combination of internal and external factors: Experiences, suggestions, impressions, imagination, monetary motivation, etc.

While fear of toxic mold continues to terrorize the public at large, the hazards of soot remain virtually ignored.

We must shift public opinion.

Knowledge that the acidic nature of fire-related residue may discolor and/or corrode materials should make us uneasy of the potential for adverse health effects.

Soot is a known hazard; shouldn’t hazardous labor rates be applicable?

Help raise awareness to soot hazards by giving nitrile gloves and appropriate dust masks to workers, claims personnel and claimants.

Under the terms of their insurance policy, the repair of structural components and personal property is covered.

Isn’t the policyholder also entitled to have the air in their home or office returned to a level equal to, or better than, before the fire?

Cliff Zlotnik is a veteran and pioneer of the disaster restoration industry.

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We could go on and on. After a few years in the business, most carpet cleaning technicians have heard their customers, residential and commercial, voice just about every safety concern imaginable. But what about carpet cleaner safety? What potential hazards do technicians face every day?

Following are two concerns all technicians should be aware of, along with ways to make sure you are safe and sound on the job.

Chemicals

The customer has a right to be concerned about the cleaning solutions used in carpet cleaning. Some traditional cleaning chemicals used for hot-water extraction include potentially hazardous ingredients such as acid rinses and solvents such as 2-Butoxyethanol. These ingredients can cause eye and skin injuries, and the fumes are potentially harmful as well.

And don’t think that if you use “green” cleaning solution alternatives you are out of the woods. A green-certified cleaning chemical is designed to reduce cleaning’s impact on the user and the environment, not eliminate it. Further, green cleaning solutions are often highly concentrated. Manufacturers do this to help promote sustainability, reduce transport and packaging needs, and so on.

Ways to protect yourself

When mixing cleaning solutions, always wear gloves and protective eye gear.

Let’s discuss protective eye gear first because technicians may not realize just how important it is. While there are no stats specifically for carpet cleaning technicians, we do know that every day in the United States there are more than 2,000 eye injuries, mostly happening on the job. We also know that as many as 90 percent of these eye injuries can be prevented through the wearing of proper protective eyewear.*

Especially when working with chemicals, it is best to select eye gear that has “indirect” ventilation or is “non-vented.” With indirect ventilation or non-vented eye gear, the possibility of chemical splashes getting into the eyes is minimized if not eliminated. This eyewear is also designed to provide a wide, unobstructed view so you can clearly see what you are doing—a necessity when working with any type of chemicals. (See Know Your Goggles below.)

As to gloves, select gloves that are resistant to such things as acids and solvents. There are many types of chemical-resistant gloves, and the manufacturer should clearly state what types of chemicals the gloves resist. Also make sure that the gloves are the right size for you, and select long-sleeve gloves. These gloves cover your forearm, providing extra safety when working with cleaning solutions.

Here are some tips for selecting chemical-resistant gloves:

• Identify the chemicals and chemical ingredients with which you will be working.
• Consult the safety data sheet (SDS) or material safety data sheet (MSDS) for each chemical.
• Check the chemical -resistance guide for the gloves, as mentioned earlier.
• Determine the gloves’ physical factors, such as their flexibility, resistance to punctures and snags, and abrasion resistance.
• It is highly recommended to select long-sleeve gloves when working with chemicals.
• Wear the gloves to see how comfortable they are.

There is one more piece of safety gear that technicians should consider wearing when working with cleaning solutions. For added safety, wear a vinyl chest-to-toe apron to help protect clothing and skin from accidental spills. These aprons are typically very economical, and, just like gloves, some are designed specifically to be resistant to acids, solvents, as well as abrasions.

Slip Hazards

The potential for a slip and fall accident is another legitimate concern when carpets are cleaned. As technicians know, the cleaning solutions used to clean carpets are mixed with water, which can easily collect on shoe bottoms. When walking from the carpet onto a smooth, hard surface floor such as tiles, linoleum, or a stone floor, the chemical and water mixture can eliminate any traction the shoes may have, resulting in a slip and fall. Your client is concerned about it, and you should be also, for your own safety.

Ways to protect yourself: This safety concern can be addressed very easily. Technicians should wear work shoes that offer anti-slip protection. They should consider wearing something referred to as “overshoes,” which can be worn directly over many types of traditional shoes. Some are designed to cover shoes up to your ankles. These taller overshoes would be appropriate for wearing with safety boots, which should be worn when performing restoration work. Along with slip protection and prevention, look for waterproof or water-resistant safety shoes. Some safety shoes will have cushioned soles, making them more comfortable. Also, many are reusable and very easy to clean.

Why Don’t We Wear Protective Gear?

It’s interesting to note that when workers in a variety of industries are asked why they do not wear protective gear such as the items discussed here, one of the top responses is that they simply do not like the way they look wearing them. Because protective gear is not a big money-making item for many manufacturers, there is a reluctance from many to invest in making their protective gear more attractive.

However, a few manufacturers are working to address these “appearance” concerns with, for instance, more designer-looking eye gear. Appearance is becoming a consumer demand issue, which many safety advocates strongly support. After all, if workers like the way they look wearing protective gear, they are much more likely to wear it.

Know Your Goggles

There are many types of goggles or protective eye gear made for a variety of work uses. Plus there are different safety regulations and standards, such as those from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute), that apply to goggles. Technicians are advised to never “just buy” a pair of goggles for work. They are far too important. Work with an astute distributor or do your research to select the proper pair of goggles for your needs. After all, we’re talking about your eyes.

Vicky Adams is Category Manager for Safety, Gloves, and Foodservice products for Impact Products, the dominant manufacturer of the Supplies and Accessories Category of the Cleaning and Maintenance Industry. She can be reached through her company website at .

*According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

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According to this tech, he was called in to handle an “emergency” carpet cleaning. When he got to the house, a gentleman opened the door and showed him the emergency: A family room with carpet covered in blood. And, it turned out, the man who opened the door was the one who had shot his wife, whose blood was now on the carpet.

The scene was a pretty grisly welcome to the world of biohazard cleaning. It typically involves removing potentially dangerous materials such as chemical spills, toxic irritants, tear gas, blood and blood-borne pathogens, or a decomposing animal.

Because biohazard cleaning can be lucrative and is not affected by seasons — as is carpet cleaning — many carpet cleaning companies consider adding this service to their roster. But before doing so, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Insight into biohazard cleaning

Biohazard cleaning is sometimes referred to as “bio-cleaning” or “bioremediation.” Whatever the cleaning is called, a biohazard can be defined as any organism or substance that poses a threat to human or animal health or to the environment. A biohazard cleaning professional is tasked with removing biohazardous materials and their related contaminants.

The $600,000 Stench

Some carpet cleaning technicians may perform biohazard cleaning as a secondary offering, but in most cases, especially when insurance adjusters are involved — as they often are — the insurance company will work only with a company that specializes in this type of cleaning. For the most part, insurance carriers want to make sure proper cleaning measures are taken that protect the health and safety of the policy holder. Plus, they want to minimize their own risks in the situation. Insurance adjusters know of the inherent health risks and challenges in bioremediation cleaning.

In addition, bioremediation cleaning can be costly. In some situations, it can be more costly than restoration work after a flood or fire. So an insurance company footing the bill wants to make sure the cleanup operation is performed correctly and professionally from start to finish.

Why the concern

“Biohazard situations can lead to hidden dangers that an average restoration technician might not even consider,” according to Tim Reifsteck, co-founder of a national company that specializes in bioremediation services. “Biohazard situations [can also] pose grave health risks to cleanup company [workers] because of the potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens.”

As an example, Reifsteck says when there is water damage to a property, carpet or floorboards may be removed if they are visibly damaged and unsalvageable. Once the area has dried out, new flooring or carpet can be installed. However, if blood, for example, has seeped into floors and subflooring, it may not be detected in the cleaning process. “If new floors are installed over [a] blood spill, the remaining bio-matter can spread disease, release odors and further damage the property.”

It also should be noted that in situations where blood has spilled over walls, carpet or floors, if the blood has come from people with a serious disease such as hepatitis (B or C) or HIV, those pathogens can survive for several hours or even days depending on temperature and environmental conditions. Coming in contact with these pathogens through touch or inhalation can pose a health risk if the technician is not careful.

Training and protective gear

For those technicians who want to venture into biohazard cleaning, requirements for the job include education and protective clothing. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has created regulations and several training programs designed to protect workers who perform biohazard cleaning. All workers performing this type of work should be familiar with these regulations and trained accordingly.

The Environmental Protection Agency and many state environmental agencies also have regulations that biohazard cleaning services must abide by. Often these focus on the storage, transport and disposal of potentially dangerous biohazard waste. Becoming familiar with these guidelines and regulations is vital for this type of work.

When performing biohazard cleaning, wearing high-quality body protection is a must, and because this work can be physically challenging, the protective gear must also be comfortable. Among the items technicians should look for or will need are the following:

Biohazard suits: Look for a manufacturer that offers biohazard suits that address a number of “levels of protection.” The level of protection must meet or exceed the types of hazards that might be encountered.

Proper seams: The seams are important because if the suit is not effectively sealed, pathogens can come in contact with the body. There are four types of seam construction: sewn, bound, taped, and double taped. An astute distributor can help in selecting the one that will provide the best protection.

Eye gear and face shield. Technicians should select both protective eye gear and a face shield. The eye gear should be “indirectly vented” or “non-vented,” protecting the eyes from spills. The face shield should cover the entire face and be designed to protect the wearer from chemical splashes.

Gloves: Select a long-sleeve glove—one that extends up the wrist—that resists a wide range of acids and solvents. Also, look for gloves that are resistant to punctures, cuts, and abrasions.

One more requirement for the job

There is one more requirement for biohazard cleaning, and it is one that cannot be taught nor worn. It’s compassion. Although not all biohazard cleaning is the result of a crime, invariably these are challenging and stressful situations. The job of a bioremediation professional is not only to properly clean up the situation but also help those affected move on with their lives.

Vicky Adams is Category Manager for Safety, Gloves and Foodservice products for Impact Products, the dominant manufacturer of the supplies and accessories category of the cleaning and maintenance industry. She can be reached through her company website at .

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On occasion, news reports have implied a connection between KS and carpet cleaning.

It is easy to understand that parents are rightly concerned about any threat to their family, especially their children. However, much of the news coverage has been sensationalist. This leads to over-reaction.

This report offers solid information about the disease and what is known about any connection to carpet cleaning.

What is Kawasaki disease?

Kawasaki Syndrome was first described by Dr. T Kawasaki in Japan in 1967.

KS is rare. From six to 11 cases per 100,000 children will be diagnosed in the United States each year. It usually strikes children less than five years old.

Most that catch this disease are under two years old, although adult cases have been reported.

KS is more common in Japan. Even in the United States, children of Asian heritage are more likely to be diagnosed with KS. It also occurs more often in boys than in girls.

Symptoms include a high fever that typically lasts five to 10 days, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, a rash along with inflammation of the hands and soles of the feet. Red lips and eyes are additional symptoms.

These symptoms are uncomfortable but are temporary. The main treatment for the symptoms is high doses of aspirin.

Further treatment usually includes a blood derivative, gamma globulin. In about 20 percent of untreated cases there is also an effect on the blood vessels around the heart. This can have long term consequences.

Slightly less than one percent of children who contract Kawasaki disease and do not receive treatment will die.

Is there a connection to carpet cleaning?

The study of an outbreak in Denver in 1982 uncovered that, in 11 of the 23 cases, the carpet had been shampooed within 30 days before the symptoms.

This is higher percentage than would be expected in a random sample.

However, four subsequent investigations, as well as laboratory studies, have found no correlation between KS and carpet cleaning.

Of the 11 Colorado cases where carpet had been recently cleaned, most were do-it-yourself cleaning or spot removal. Only in one instance had professional carpet cleaners been used.

The Colorado outbreak occurred during April and May. This is the time when many families do spring cleaning, often including carpet cleaning.

One other study reported on by Cornell University Medical Center noted a statistical connection to carpet cleaning. Again, this was mostly related to do it yourself spot removal.

Cornell University Medical Center concluded that “In the 1960’s when Dr. Kawasaki first described the patients with this syndrome, traditional Japanese houses had tatami mats instead of rugs… It seems unlikely (outbreaks) would be related to rug shampoo.”

The Children’s Hospital, Kempe Research Center also discounted, many years ago, any connection to carpet cleaning. They state, “We remain frustrated that we still do not know the cause of Kawasaki Syndrome.” (Vol. 1, 1988)

In the conclusion of their report, The Children’s Hospital, Kempe Research Center, says: “Additional studies were also done that examined cleaning methods and product usage in homes of Kawasaki patients and controls. None of these studies were able to show an association between a single product or cleaning method and Kawasaki Syndrome.”

What is the cause?

In 1993, Dr. Donald Y.M. Leung and colleagues working at the University of Minnesota and the New England Medical Center reported in the British medical journal, Lancet, that they had identified a possible cause of Kawasaki Syndrome as a super-antigen produced by variant strains of two common bacteria – staphylococcal and streptococcal.

Sometimes these common germs produce a toxin that triggers an allergic reaction.

Their findings have not been confirmed by other research. However, this continues to be the most popular theory as to the cause of KS.

Many questions remain to be answered. What is the mechanism that triggers a bacterium to produce the toxin? Why does the bacterium result in Kawasaki disease in one child but not in another? Current study focuses on KS as being an immune system disorder.

Dr. Leung, while working for the National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine in Denver, agreed that carpet cleaning is not the cause. He says, “The cause of Kawasaki Syndrome is unknown… and is almost certainly not caused by such hazards as recently shampooed carpet.”

The meaning for us

Recent reports, including one by Fox news, April 13, 2006, have suggested that carpet cleaning chemicals might be responsible for Kawasaki Syndrome.

No study of KS has ever suggested this connection, either by research study or statistical link. As previously stated, most researchers support a “super-antigen” as the most likely cause.

Cleaning is necessary, not only to preserve the appearance and life of carpet, but also for a healthy indoor environment. Clearly allowing the carpet to collect dirt, oil, dead skin and a variety or micro-organisms without regular cleaning cannot be healthy!

A study by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Research Triangle in Chapel Hill, NC looked at the relationship between carpet cleaning and indoor air pollution.

Quoting the study, “Total bacteria and bio-pollutants were reduced 40 percent by a carpet cleaning program using professional hot water extraction.”

Here is what Dr. Michael Berry (former deputy director of the US EPA) had to say on carpet cleaning:

“Based upon what I have learned in recent months from researchers working in the United States, Canada and Western Europe, I have reached the conclusion that carpeting and fabrics not cleaned and properly maintained have the potential to cause a variety of health problems inside the building environment. From a public health perspective, I would find it impossible to justify the installation of carpet indoors without the existence of effective cleaning methods using environmentally sound cleaning technology by individuals properly trained in the application of those methods and technology.”

Researchers, public health authorities and carpet manufacturers agree that regular carpet cleaning has health benefits.

Since no definite cause for KS has been determined, it makes sense that everyone should stay off carpet during the cleaning process. In addition, children should stay off carpet for at least four hours, or until the carpet is completely dry.

Scott Warrington has more than 35 years of experience in the carpet cleaning industry and related fields. He serves as the technical support specialist for Bridgepoint Systems and Interlink Supply. He can be contacted at scottw@bridgepoint.com.

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