There were some real good responses to your post over on the ICS board...
Dried Protector Fumes Making Dog Sick
Posted By DRScrivner on 3/29/2008 at 3:48 PM
Anyone ever here of or have a dog get sick from dried protector fumes?
A client called today (a week after the cleaning) and had taken his dog to the vet and the vet is convinced that it is the protector (water based), and that he (the vet) has seen it many times before.
Thanks guys (and Darlene).
Del
Re: Dried Protector Fumes Making Dog Sick
Posted By Rick Gelinas on 3/29/2008 at 4:18 PM
Never heard of that before.
Fluoropolymers are considered to be fairly inert from a health standpoint. In fact, there are large amounts of fluoropolymers in the environment, all over the earth. Researchers have actually found traces of fluoropolymers within the cells of animals in remote locations of the planet. In other words, it appears that living things all over the earth (human and animal), have some level of fluoropolymers in their systems - and there doesn't appear to be any adverse health affects. So it doesn't seem likely that applying fluoropolymer to a carpet could do anything to make a dog sick.
We've applied protector at our house, sprayed it down WET, and our 2 cats have run around on the carpet while the protector was still wet. No adverse affects. And if the protector was dry (as was the case here), there doesn't appear to be any possible way that it could have an effect on the animal. Sounds like there must be be something other than the application of a fluoropolymer that caused the dog to get sick.
I hope the pooch feels better soon.
encapman
Re: Dried Protector Fumes Making Dog Sick
Posted By D. Smith on 3/29/2008 at 4:40 PM
I also have heard of it in fact it killed one pet. I think its more of a coincidence than anything else.
Re: Dried Protector Fumes Making Dog Sick
Posted By Charles on 3/29/2008 at 5:23 PM
http://www.whec.com/article/stories/S385691.shtml?cat=565
Re: Dried Protector Fumes Making Dog Sick
Posted By admiralclean on 3/29/2008 at 6:05 PM
Don't base any assumptions on the reactions of cats.
They're evil.
Re: Dried Protector Fumes Making Dog Sick
Posted By Kevin Kluth on 3/29/2008 at 8:41 PM
That link by Charles is in my town. The pets affected by cleaning fumes/vapors were two birds. Most bird owners recognize that they have to be careful, since birds are very sensitive to odors. That's why coal miners used to take canaries into the mines back in the day.
Re: Dried Protector Fumes Making Dog Sick
Posted By Greg on 3/29/2008 at 9:46 PM
I don't know. Does your insurance cover dead dogs?? LOL
Re: Dried Protector Fumes Making Dog Sick
Posted By admiralclean on 3/29/2008 at 10:11 PM
I just had a newby cleaner email me asking about the validity of this thread. My response to him was yes, they're are potential problems with cleaning around birds, but I've never had an issue with any pets (even birds) in the 20 years I've been cleaning.
I also told him that we sometimes get bored on these boards and make up stuff just to have something to argue about.
Del ... you should be ashamed for frightening the newbies around here.
Re: Dried Protector Fumes Making Dog Sick
Posted By David on 3/29/2008 at 10:24 PM
If it were true, I'd apply the protector on my dog beds so they can sleep soundly.
dave
Re: Dried Protector Fumes Making Dog Sick
Posted By Con Schultz on 3/29/2008 at 10:47 PM
In my more than 20 years I have heard of this a couple times - but still don't believe its the product itself.
I suppose it is remotely possible - someone is allergic etc to everything out there - why not pets too?
Con
Re: Dried Protector Fumes Making Dog Sick
Posted By Heathrow on 3/29/2008 at 10:54 PM
Rick - how long have you been carrying out this animal testing? LOL
Re: Dried Protector Fumes Making Dog Sick
Posted By Bob Baker on 3/29/2008 at 11:27 PM
Perhaps Fido licked the carpet while trying to get at some morsels and injested some of the protector.(It was water based correct?) Also, if it was a small canine as opposed to a larger breed,it would take a lot less to affect it.
Re: Dried Protector Fumes Making Dog Sick
Posted By Barry Lichtenstein on 3/29/2008 at 11:40 PM
Back in the olden days when I used to dry clean draperies regularly, I used 1.1.1 tri-choro-ethane.
I was at this house where there was this little yappy dog that I didn't want around bothering me.
I told the woman that the fumes from the solvent were heavier than air and would build up at floor level, where the dog would be breathing them, so she should take the little dog upstairs.
She asked, "Will the fumes kill him?" I replied that they would not and she asked me, "How about if you spray it right on him?"
I guess she didn't want the little yappy dog bothering her anymore either.
Re: Dried Protector Fumes Making Dog Sick
Posted By Matt Himebaugh on 3/29/2008 at 11:57 PM
Many products can make animals & chemical/allergy sensitive people irritated (that's in part why the big push for green products). I have yet to have an issue w/ any pre-spray, spotting agent, protectant, etc. affecting any animal or person. I have had a few customers request I use a green product, but I seriously would question whether or not this dog was affected from your protector. Possible? Yes. But, I had a woman last summer hint that I possibly brought bugs into her home. High-end resi. property; I came recommended. She had a cat and I noticed fruit flies (kitchen trash disposal) in the home prior to cleaning. I think she was looking for me to pay for either the exterminator and/or a re-clean to remove 2 or 3 misc. bugs. I referred her to an excellent pest patrol company and assured her that I wash down all equipment at day's end and keep the door only slightly cracked for hose entry/exit. Point being....don't be too quick to accept blame for an alternative cause. I guess we should all provide disclaimers and request complete vacancy during cleaning & drying. Anyone have any ideas on how to protect from this particular claim besides insurance or prior notice in writing?
Re: Dried Protector Fumes Making Dog Sick
Posted By Ron Werner on 3/30/2008 at 12:03 AM
talk to the vet. Explain the facts of carpet cleaning to this dude. He's the one promoting the misconception.
Re: Dried Protector Fumes Making Dog Sick
Posted By bryan ohaleck on 3/30/2008 at 1:09 AM
There are no 'fumes' from dried carpet protector. The product itself is inert and can't be ingested through the lungs after application.
If you used a solvent-based protector there's some risk from the carrier to sensitive animals during application, as there would be if a water-based product is atomized in a fine enough mist to hang in the air. Silicones are the only protectant I've heard of causing respiratory distress, and most people outside the cleaning industry don't know the difference.
A local franchise got in a bit of trouble after their second tech went to the hospital complaining of breathing problems. They used solvent carried silicones, and applied them to drapery fabric on-location without using respirators. Did a good job of sealing up their lungs.
Re: Dried Protector Fumes Making Dog Sick
Posted By Darlene on 3/30/2008 at 8:26 AM
DRScrovmer.
I suppose it is possible although I have never heard a complaint like that.
Without actual proof it is only hearsay.
I use Maxium from Bridgepoint and I don't recall it even having an odor....
Re: Dried Protector Fumes Making Dog Sick
Posted By DRScrivner on 3/30/2008 at 2:40 PM
Marty,
If I had made it SFS with you, you could have straightened me out.
Everybody,
The client is actually a good friend of mine (and former co-worker) so I am not worried about getting sued or anything, more personal concern.
However, I am thinking (from the start) that it is sometig else and a coincidence of timing that his dog "Al" got sick.
I just wanted your thoughts to confirm what I already knew. The bird deal is covered in IICRC Odor Control Class to (ot at least in mine it was).
Thanks guys (and Darlene).
Del
Rick Gelinas
rick@excellent-supply.com 
