THE BAD EFFECTS OF PET URINE IN OUR HOMES

Being in the odor and mold remediation business, I have the opportunity to investigate a number of different odors in homes and apartments. Sometimes it’s a left over smoke odor from a cigarette or cigar smoker. Sometimes cooking odors can embed into the structure of a home or apartment. Musty odors from previous water intrusions can be unhealthy. In order to help the new tenant or homeowner be comfortable, it is necessary to bring in the heavy artillery of Biosweep with our PCO technology. But one of the strongest odors that we deal with fairly regularly is pet odors.

We know that smoke odors can be harmful. 2nd and 3rd hand smoke have been studied and reported in the media to the point that almost everyone is aware of their dangers. But how many of us are aware of the dangers of severe pet odors in our homes? Let’s look at what makes up those uncomfortable odors from our canine and feline friends.

Cat and dog urine isn’t just disgusting; it can harm your health. The dangers of animal urine aren’t always obvious, though. No doubt you realize that this urine, like all human and animal waste, carries bacteria that could cause illness. So you dutifully wear gloves when cleaning up waste and while washing the mops, sponges and other items you used to clean it with.

It’s easy to assume that once the urine stain and germs are gone, that lingering odor is nothing but a harmless nuisance. Remember, though, that odors are composed of microscopic particles of the thing that caused the odor. So by inhaling the animal urine smell, you’re actually inhaling animal urine. Just the thought is enough to make you sick, right? Wait, it gets worse…

Dog or cat urine smells sharply of ammonia, which is an irritant to the lungs. In the case of large amounts of urine, your lungs could feel like they are burning.  Inhalation of large quantities of ammonia causes immediate burning of the throat, respiratory tract and nose. As a person is exposed to larger or constant quantities of ammonia, he or she may start to feel lightheaded and faint. Excessive exposure to ammonia causes eye and skin irritation. Pet urine becomes embedded in furniture, baseboards, carpeting and other areas, and causes health hazards. Individuals with weak immune systems, allergies, asthma and other health conditions–such as migraines–are especially susceptible to the risks associated with ammonia inhalation. Low concentrations of ammonia (50ppm) also cause rapid eye and skin irritation. Prolonged exposure to a higher concentration of ammonia may cause permanent eye damage–or blindness–and skin burns.

Children are most at risk for eye and skin problems resulting from ammonia inhalation because their body-weight is lower than adults.  If bacteria and residue from pet urine is not completely removed from a carpet or rugs, the area could become a hazardous feeding ground for microbes.

Ammonia exposure can lead to the following:

Tracheal burns, nasopharyngeal cancer, alveolar edema, bronchiolar edema and airway damage–leading to respiratory distress or malfunction. This would include bronchitis, pneumonia and in extremely rare situations, people can experience asphyxiation (suffocation).

Continual ammonia inhalation causes olfactory adaptation and fatigue.

Cough phlegm and leads to shortness of breath.

Irritation of the airways of the lungs, making it difficult for an individual to breathe easily. Coughs that bring up phlegm are an indication of a respiratory infection.

Facts about cat urine

Normal cat urine is comprised of a number of substances, primarily water. Healthy cat urine contains approximately 0.05% ammonia, 0.18% sulphate, 0.12% phosphate, 0.6% chloride, 0.1% sodium, 0.1% creatinine, 0.003% uric acid, 2% urea and 95% water.

Cat urine is very concentrated, so a small amount can smell very strong. Dried urine becomes crystallized, which causes strong odor. Generally, healthy people are not at risk by smelling it, but long term exposure may cause problems down the road. In fact, many people who suffer from cat allergies believe that exposure to the fur is the cause of their suffering. It may be that those with allergies have oversensitive immune systems which cause them to be allergic to many things. Often cat urine is the culprit.

Dog Urine – Leptospirosis Bacteria

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by several closely related bacterial strains. Although most prevalent in warm, humid environments, the ubiquitous bacteria are found all over the world. Many wild animals contract the disease — especially rodents — as can domestic dogs. Infected dogs may pass the disease to humans, in whom it causes flulike symptoms. Serious cases can lead to kidney or liver disease. The American Veterinary Medical Association cautions pet owners to use a household disinfectant to clean up urine quickly and to wear disposable gloves while doing so.

To conclude, just being aware of potential health risks of animal ownership can help us all be more diligent about our indoor environment. Remember, before being domesticated, dogs and cats were meant to live outdoors. The outdoor environment will break down their elimination products naturally. The same process does not take place indoors. Let’s be safe in there!