Hazmat team blames powdered carpet cleaner for death of pets

LAKEWOOD, Wash.

Authorities are blaming a powdered carpet cleaner for the death of two family pets in Lakewood.

Police said the man is not yet being allowed into his home. Because the hazardous material team blamed the death of his pets on the cleaner, there's reason to believe it could be dangerous to humans, too.

The resident called 911 Saturday morning saying he had found his cat and bird dead inside his house and he smelled a strange odor.

At first, firefighters said they couldn't pinpoint the cause until they determined that a powdered carpet cleaner the man had bought was the cause.

Firefighters said the small size of the home, which is only 400 square feet, may have also played a role.

Firefighters wouldnt tell KIRO 7 what brand of cleaner was used, but more tests are being done Monday. Until then, the resident, who rents the home, wont be able to go inside.

"Everything we've seen so far suggests the problem is limited to this residence. And while initial reports were that a carpet-cleaning chemical or an insecticide were to blame, we've not been able to confirm that based on available information," said Environmental Health Assistant Division DirectorJohn Sherman.

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Hazmat team blames powdered carpet cleaner for death of pets