If pet accidents are easily seen in the carpet, the new owners know that it needs to be replaced. But what if the carpet looks clean? Beside the “Ick Factor” of Pet Pee in the carpet of the house you are buying, is it really harmful? Yes, it can be. Especially to crawling children and allergy sufferers.
The Hidden Issue:
Often the carpet has been cleaned and looks fine, but Pet Pee is hidden in the fibers of the carpet and padding. Urine is made of different chemicals like urea, ammonium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, urobilin, possible bacteria, and other molecules. Each one has unique properties. For example, bacteria and urea are responsible for the bad odors. Animals’ enhanced sense of smell can cause the new owner’s pets to become disturbed. Animals often mark the border of their territory by their smell. Your pet will need to override that smell to feel safe. So, an animal that has never used the bathroom on the floor before will often do that. Then, your house has doubled the problem because mold can grow in wet, untreated areas under the surface.
Health Hazards:
Pet urine is a biohazard. If it is left unattended too long, it can give rise to several environmental and health issues. The ammonia in pet urine is especially concentrated and can be the source of health problems, like asthma and pneumonia. Inhaling ammonia fumes can cause lightheadedness, and fainting, making it difficult to breathe normally because of irritated airways, leading to respiratory infections. Exposure to ammonia can also cause eye and skin irritation.
Children are at the most risk of problems that arise from ammonia inhalation. They have a lower body weight than adults do. They also often spend more time crawling or playing on the floor, and thus, are closer to the source of the problem.
The bacteria that grow in pet stains are typically not dangerous to healthy people with a good immune system. Mild sinusitis, allergies, and airway inflammation are common issues that can arise. However, adults with allergies or autoimmune system deficiencies can be affected greatly.
Bringing the Hidden to Light:
Using a UV light on carpet will illuminate the phosphorus and urobilin to glow yellow/green. These are fluorescent and cause the stains to glow. In several houses we have inspected the white or light-colored carpet looked and smelled fine. No one would guess what was hidden. The abundance of Pet Pee was a shocking discovery.
While there are some enzyme-eating carpet cleaners advertised, these products often get rid of the odor, but not the source of the health problems. It is best to replace the carpet if you have pets, young children, or autoimmune issues.
Inspections of Texas cares about our clients. We inspect for hidden pet pee in every carpet of pre-owned homes. Safety first!