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Leonard Schein
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Festival Cinemas

"I'm very impressed with the difficult work that Toxic Free Canada does. I support Toxic Free Canada because I know their knowledge and hard work will result in great strides in protecting the health and environment of the people of BC and Canada."

Kawasaki Disease linked to toxic carpet cleaners

Kawasaki disease is characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels including those in the heart. There is redness in the eyes, tongue, mouth, a swelling and peeling of the hands and feet, body rashes and high temperatures. It is treated with antibodies and high dose aspirin, and the symptoms disappear; however, if untreated inflammation of the heart tissue and arteries, as well as aneurysms may develop. It is a rare disease but has become one of the leading causes of acquired heart disease in North America. It generally strikes children under 5, usually around 2 years old, and occurs with twice as many boys as girls.

The causes are unknown but some studies have linked it with exposure to toxic chemicals in carpet cleaning. This is why it is important that we, as consumers, have a right-to-know all the ingredients in carpet cleaners and other consumer products. One theory of the disease is that the toxic chemicals in the cleaners trigger a hyper allergic reaction or hypersensitivity in some individuals. Another theory is that dust mites, which often carry an infectious agent or a bacterial pathogen disturbed during the cleaning process, might cause the disease.

More research needs to be done to understand this disease, and that research must include research exploring the link between environmental factors such as chemical exposure and this disease.

Many carpet cleaners have all-natural ingredients, and many do not contain hazardous chemicals. Exercise your right to know what it is in a product.

However, there are many carpet cleaners that do contain hazardous chemicals. For more information on Kawasaki disease and chemicals in carpet cleaners see:

• Kawasaki Disease: The Latest Information
• Are Carpet Cleaners Safe?
• Clean Carpets Without Dangerous Chemicals