Can you get sick from tearing up old carpet?

Question

Can you get sick from tearing up old carpet?

Answer 1

It depends what condition the carpet's in. If it's really grimy old carpet, like if you're renovating an old house or something, wear a particle (dust) mask and if you have sensitive skin, wear gloves and long sleeves to stop any dust or dirt from irritating your skin. Carpet only generally gets dusty, but the underlay underneath the carpet can degrade and cause a lot of dust when you get rid of it (which isn't nice stuff, trust me). Try to keep it as whole as possible and just roll it up instead of tearing it to pieces, so that you don't create extra dust.

If you still don't feel happy, get a contractor in.

Good luck! :)

Answer 2

Oh my yes!  Think of all the airborne dust and dirt that ends up embedded in your carpet, not to mention if you have pets or small children the other grossness that can end up in there.  You can also get sick from new carpet emmitting chemicals into the air. Carpet can also act as a "sink" for chemical and biological pollutants including pesticides, dust mites, and fungi. All of these things can give you flu like symptoms or allergies.

Answer 3

only if it's saturated with dried urine and stuff.  wear a face mask if you're worried.  or are you looking for an excuse to not do this nasty little job?