Kawasaki Disease or Kawasaki Syndrome is a topic that comes up with consumers and other carpet cleaners from time to time. This discussion will help you to know a little about what it is and what it isn’t.

Kawasaki Disease in a nutshell: It is a very rare illness first recognized in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s by Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki in Japan. It occurs primarily in children under five with most cases occurring in toddlers, 1 to 2 years old. Symptoms include a rash on hands and feet, fever, red lips, tongue, and eyes. It can progress to damage the heart and coronary arteries. It is not spread from person to person or “catching.” In its most severe form, it can be fatal in a small percentage of cases, due to heart damage.

When the syndrome was first recognized it was originally thought to be related to carpet cleaning, but researchers have not been able to show a conclusive link. Logically, it would be the first thing researchers would look at in the case of a small child with a rash on their hands and feet and mouth. You would assume they must have touched something that made them break out. And since babies and small children spend a lot of time on the floor, most parents of small children have the carpets cleaned frequently.

So, is there a connection? Researchers don’t know. There might be and it might be just a coincidence. One thing about scientific research – it is very hard to prove “lack of connection.” To illustrate this scientific problem: Did you know that over 90% of all criminals had eaten bread within 24 hours of committing their crime? Does that mean that eating bread makes you commit crime? Of course not! Can you prove there’s No connection? That’s a little harder.

Carpet cleaning has been blamed for Kawasaki Disease in the popular media, starting with an article in the National Enquirer in 1984 with the inflammatory headline “Carpet Shampooing Kills Children.” Sensational media stories like this and the recent story on Good Morning America continue to pop up from tine to time. The Industry’s response has been “it’s not true, people are imagining things, it’s not our fault.” The true picture falls somewhere between these two extremes.

It is worth pointing out that Kawasaki Disease was first recognized in Japan where carpeting in homes is quite rare. Some children who develop Kawasaki Disease have not been exposed to carpet cleaning.

Researchers looking for the cause of Kawasaki Disease suspect the involvement of a virus or bacteria that produces a toxin similar to those involved in Toxic Shock Syndrome or Scarlet Fever. It is possible that the moisture of carpet cleaning could activate such an organism, or the stirring of the air could make the organism airborne where a susceptible person could breathe it.
The carpet cleaning industry is, of course, very interested in the research for the cause of Kawasaki Disease. As research unravels the mystery of Kawasaki Disease I am sure the carpet cleaning industry will be informed.

A good rule of thumb to minimize any hazards that may be present is that small children should not be present during cleaning and not be allowed on the cleaned carpet for several hours. At A Clean & Tidy Carpet Cleaner our technicians would agree that they would rather not have small children “helping” for a myriad of other reasons, and to prevent tracking soil onto the newly cleaned carpet. You also need to know that you have a qualified carpet cleaner and one that is certified and cleans according to manufacture guidelines. We specifically clean with your health and well being in mind and take extra measures to ensure that residues are not left in your carpet after cleaning. It is also important to note that not cleaning carpet may pose a greater health risk than cleaning them. Carpets are known to act as sinks for soils, bacteria, mold and fungus. If these soils are not removed through periodic professional cleanings, they may contribute to indoor air quality problems and possible health problems for occupants.

To Summarize:

• Kawasaki Disease is very rare; in the U.S., 0.015% of children under 5 years old will develop KD
• Kawasaki Disease is a serious Illness.
• KD is not an allergy or sensitivity to chemicals

Carpet cleaning by itself does not cause KD. If it did, the incidence would be much higher. Some children who develop KD were never exposed to carpet cleaning. Researchers have not yet determined the cause. Some facet of carpet cleaning may be one of multiple factors that must be present before Kawasaki Disease develops.

If you would like to have more information in regards to Kawasaki Disease’, How Safe Are Your Children in Your Own Home, Indoor Air Quality and Allergens in Your Home, The Secrets of Selecting a Professional Carpet Cleaner go to www.clean-and-tidy.com or give us a
call @ 770-929-8439.

Here are some internet links where you can read more about Kawasaki Disease Syndrome.

Kawasaki Disease Foundation
American Heart Association – Kawasaki Disease
Family Doctor – Kawasaki Disease

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