If you’re a carpet fitter, you probably think of your job as being fairly low risk. Sure, it’s hard on the knees and the spine – but you’re spending your days on the floor, not up a ladder, so it’s not dangerous, right?
But not all workplace hazards involve accidents with machinery or falls from height, and some of the most dangerous are risks you can’t even see – like dichloromethane in adhesives.
Dichloromethane is a powerful solvent that makes adhesives flash off quickly – but it’s also shown to cause cancers of the lungs and liver in rodents. Since conclusive testing is impossible to carry out on humans, DCM is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a ‘suspected carcinogen’ – but without concrete proof, DCM continues to be added to many adhesive formulations.
In flooring applications, the risk is especially high since floor fitters work indoors, and DCM is heavier than air, so it accumulates at floor level. Carpet fitter Mike Rawles of Upton Carpets in Poole is a Gekko user who has made the switch to DCM-free – but unfortunately not before receiving a frightening diagnosis. We caught up with him to find out more about his cautionary story.
Hi Mike. Thanks for chatting to us. Can you tell us a bit about your career in flooring and your past exposure to dichloromethane?
I’ve been fitting carpets and flooring for around 19 years. I spent many years working in high end marine environments on super yachts and luxury boats, and have always used a fair bit of spray adhesive for some parts of this. I’ve always been a little bit concerned at the amount of chemicals in the adhesives we use, especially the dichloromethane. I had done some research into the harmful effects it can have including damage to the central nervous system and organs and even cancer, so I always tried to use ventilation and masks where possible.
What were your experiences of DCM-free adhesives?
I had used a few non chlorinated glues in the past but they never seemed to be as effective. Then I had some free samples of Gekko sent out a couple of years ago and was really impressed with the products. I found the carpet spray just needed a few moments to tack off before sticking but actually gave a really good bond. However, it was a little bit more expensive than what I was using so I chose not to make the switch at that time.
What happened next?
Fast forward to March 2023 – I was running my own business supplying and fitting carpets and flooring and doing very well, but I’d noticed a lump on my neck. After numerous doctor’s appointments where it was dismissed as just an enlarged gland due to being run down, I finally saw a specialist and was diagnosed with cancer which had started in my throat and spread to the lymph node in my neck.
Did you immediately make the connection to DCM?
Not straight away, but I immediately switched to using Gekko adhesives because I didn’t want to risk making anything worse until I knew more, and I needed to keep working to provide for my family. I had a chat with my local supplier and they now stock Gekko adhesives which makes it a bit more affordable, and a lot of other fitters are making the switch too, which is great to see.
You’ve had treatment – what was that like?
Yes – my treatment consisted of 6 weeks of chemo and daily radiation to my neck. It was pretty brutal – eating was especially difficult due to the pain in my throat. I have been unable to work for the last 3-4 months due to the fatigue. I finished treatment 4 weeks ago and I’m slowly starting to feel better, but it’s a long process after all the radiation. I’m left with severe tinnitus and some hearing loss which is likely to be permanent, and will find out after scans in September whether my treatment has been successful and the cancer’s all gone.
What’s your advice to other floor fitters?
I cannot stress enough the importance of getting things checked immediately if you’re unsure. I’m only in my forties and I’m fit and healthy – I don’t drink, I don’t smoke so my risk factors are otherwise low – I’m convinced my cancer was caused by exposure to chemicals, especially given its location. There are many hazards in our trade, whether it’s old flooring or the adhesives we use – I believe it’s really important to take whatever steps we can to eliminate these risks. I certainly won’t go back to my old glues and recommend all my friends and colleagues to make the switch too!
It’s been especially tough being self-employed as I didn’t have any insurance to cover this and there’s not a huge amount of help available. Having 4 kids at home and a mortgage, I’d recommend every self-employed floor fitter to look at some kind of insurance. And to seriously think about the chemicals they’re using. I’ve stocked up on Gekko adhesives ready for my return to work – I’m really looking forward to putting this all behind me!
Want to learn more?
We’re really grateful to Mike for sharing his experiences and for helping us to spread the dichloromethane message to even more industry professionals – we wish him all the best for his continued treatment and recovery.
As for DCM-free adhesives, we’re not saying you have to switch to Gekko, but please make the switch! If you’re interested in learning more about our range of DCM-free carpet sprays, tackifiers and contact adhesives, get in touch.