Carpet Fluid

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"What a strange liquid saturating these carpets..."
Location: Level 0, Level 0.1, Level 0.3, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 332, Level 777...
Class 	Danger 	Carpet Fluid is highly toxic in nature, with some variants exhibiting strong acidic properties. It is well-known to contaminate Almond Water bottles, posing mild to severe health threats if consumed.
Use 	Fuel source and industrial solvent	Carpet Fluid benefits as a versatile industrial solvent and fuel source within the Backrooms, despite its inherent toxicity.
Value 	High 	Carpet Fluid holds significant value for settlements and resourceful travelers due to its practical applications in maintaining equipment and processing materials.
Rarity	Common 	Carpet Fluid is prevalent in certain levels of the Backrooms, commonly found emanating from carpets, walls, and ceilings. It also runs through pipelines in other levels, suggesting its widespread presence.
== Discovery and Properties ==
Object 8, more commonly known as "Carpet Fluid," is a liquid substance that emanates from certain parts of the carpet on Level 0 and Level 4, and streams down the pipes on Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 5. While its exact discovery date remains unknownCarpet Fluid was presumably first found along with The Backrooms, but no records existed of it., ancient Backroom travelers initially encountered Carpet Fluid, which they termed 'Tapete MaculasTranslates as Carpet Stains.' in Latin. This term was given to the object when Latin explorers made their first observationsThere is no written record of its discovery or description made, simply a story passed down from generation to generation — person to person. on the beige carpets of Level 0. Over time, the phrase 'Tapete Maculas' developed into 'Carpet Fluid' for a broader understanding. The fluid, as previously mentioned, mainly manifests as wet stains on carpets, walls, or ceilingsIn some cases, the fluid appears endlessly drips through the cracks between ceiling panels. in certain levels; rarely, it may develop as a puddle on the ground.
Its transparent appearance is akin to that of pure water. Analysis of said fluid, whose sample greatly contains dirty detritus and silt of dust particles and rubbish from the level's surface, resulting in a more cloudy and turbid appearance. Oddly, various liquids and substances, primarily Almond Water or freshwater, are mixed with the fluid. Much Carpet Fluid may increase humidity in the surrounding area, thus fostering an environment conducive to mold growthAdditional research shows that vegetation fails to thrive and often succumbs to extinction when watered with Carpet Fluid, with only mold able to proliferate in such conditions.. This increased moisture, coupled with the organic components of the fluid, may promote the spread of unknown diseases, mutated bacteria, and viruses such as the Hydrolitis Plague. As a case in point, Carpet Fluid can become a potential breeding ground for microorganisms, posing health concerns to travelers. 
Several bottles of Almond Water witnessed in various levels have Carpet Fluid contaminants; each varies in intensity. It's crucial to investigate and evaluate any water sources in certain levels. However, distinguishing between a bottle containing pure water and one contaminated with the fluid may be difficult because both are similarIt is strongly cautioned against consuming bottles that are not full since they often contain contaminants of carpet fluid and are more likely to be used by another wanderer who may have tampered with the contents or transmitted something like the Hydrolitis Plague.. In certain circumstances, it is feasible to determine by its presumed off-color; for instance, water seems hazy and muddy. In addition to being denser and less viscous than waterPeople often perceive a similarity to vinegar., Carpet Fluid can be detected via straightforward physical tests like pouring or whirling liquids to observe how they react and flowOn the other hand, if the water contains very little of the fluid in it, it may seem to be pure water. If one's lucky, ingesting could only cause stomach ache. Nevertheless, it's preferable to avoid consuming any.. 
Carpet Fluid should not be consumed under any circumstances. Unlike traditional acids and bases, it is poisonous by nature. Notably, ingesting water contaminated with Carpet Fluid elicits alarming impactsDisturbingly, some reports exist on its taste, with records stating that it has a "metallic tang". The creator of these reports was anonymous and so this cannot be confirmed and will not be tested.. Upon ingestion, the fluid's poisonous components immediately reach the blood's circulation, damaging vital organs and body processes. Victims will experience gastrointestinal issues such as severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It could also affect the neurological system, resulting in symptoms including lightheadedness, disorientationIt could lead to hallucination., weakness, or unconsciousness. One may progress to heart failure issues — symptoms like an irregular pulse, chest discomfort, or cardiovascular collapse.
Carpet Fluid's evaporation temperature is estimated to vary between 50°C and 100°CWhile it is true that heating and boiling can remove fluid in the water, not all fluids will be affected by this if their boiling points are the same. (122°F to 212°F) due to its inherent volatility, meaning the fluid would gradually evaporate in areas with moderate heating conditions or mild heat sources. Carpet Fluid's vapor is transparent and odorless, making detection difficult without specific equipment or testingTravelers often use Portable Gas Detectors or Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Meter.. When one inhales Carpet Fluid vapor, it can irritate the respiratory system and cause symptoms, including coughing, sore throats, and trouble breathing. Prolonged or recurrent exposure can influence the neurological system and cardiac function, causing the aforementioned symptoms.
=== Acidic Variant ===
In its normal state, Carpet Fluid is non-acidic and only poisonous; nevertheless, an acidic variant exists, which is found in warmer areas, mainly running through pipes on Level 2 and Level 3; and in the maintenance halls on Level 5. This acidic form of liquid can cause severe burns. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid this fluid variant as it can be lethal. According to the investigation, Carpet Fluid's acids are in the 0 to 2 pH range, indicating extremely high acidity. This fluid form requires cautious handling and safety equipment to mitigate direct exposure dangers. If not, it will cause dire and severe chemical burns, with second-degree burns occurring in under a minute if not immediately washed away with running waterIn which the fluid dissolves. immediately upon exposure.
Unlike its usual form, this variation of Carpet Fluid's form has a rich wine-colored color in appearance with a deep red hue. This form shares a red color and highly toxic properties similar to Liquid Pain — initially confused for the same type of object as Liquid PainTo this day, some people are still misunderstanding between Liquid Pain and this form of Carpet Fluid.. It is suspected that this fluid variant consists of an unknown composition and traces of molecules that contribute to creating high acidity and a deep red hue. Not unlike Mercury, this form can be absorbed via the skin and enter the bloodstream even if not directly consumed orally, making it more dangerous than the usual variation and potentially fatal. These mercury-like qualities most likely stem from the large number of heavy metals in its composition, identified through responses to various chemical compounds. The reaction between acidic Carpet Fluid and gold is comparable to hydrochloric (HCl) or sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄).
Surprisingly, this form of Carpet Fluid is conspicuously prevalent at Level 0.1, a sub-level of Level 0. Here, the fluid manifests itself on the ceiling, walls, and flooring. The level has a considerably polluted atmosphere, ranging from 2% to 20% in the air, particularly in locations where the fluid is often contaminated. The said factors significantly increase the environmental risk to the level, posing profound risks to passers-by. The origin and process of this fluid's evaporation are anonymous. Considering the relatively low temperatures of Level 0.1, which are not conducive to conventional evaporation, many suppose there are unknown chemical interactions at play between Carpet Fluid and the pollutants in the air.
== Usage and Benefit ==
Carpet Fluid is poisonous and is usually avoided outright by wanderers. However, the acid form of Carpet Fluid has been used and adopted as a crude alternative to oil and is utilized by more industrious communities across the Backrooms. Since the early 19th century and notably gaining popularity in the mid-1980s, it has served as a rudimentary fuel source for heating and lighting within settlements. Due to its solvent properties, many mechanically inclined travelers often use acidic Carpet Fluid for diverse tasks, including removing rust from tools and weapons and cleaning and processing raw materials such as ores or organic compounds. While this is effective, it is also ill-advised to do so without proper preparation and protection.
Carpet Fluid has also been explored as an alternate weapon, with some wanderers using its acidic attributes for defense against entities like Clumps, Dullers, Hounds, Facelings, and Skin-Stealers. Although the fluid usually only inflicts little to mild damage and may not instantaneously kill these things, it might create a distraction, giving individuals time to flee. People have invented weapons identical to water cannons that fire fluid. However, the usage of Carpet Fluid as a weapon is unaccepted among wanderer circles due to its limited effectiveness, the need for a large amount of fluid to be effective against entities, and the potential for damage to the weapon itself. Furthermore, Carpet Fluid is often seen as having a higher industrial value than tactical value.
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Author Information >
Written by WindXD.
# Header Image (CC-BY-SA 2.0): by Lxnar Whrxd.
# First Image (CC0 / Public Domain): Carpet Juice by u/skyanide.
# Second Image (CC-BY-SA 2.0): Trying to Get a Rental in Seattle Right Now by Brianna Wray.
# Third Image (CC0 / Public Domain): Carpet fluid compared to liquid pain by u/Attackontitanfan_.
# Fourth Image (CC-BY-SA 2.0): 25% российского импорта уксуса поступает из Нидерландов. by Unknown author, edited by Xanth.
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Category:Objects
Category:Types of Water
Category:Liquids
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