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Finding Source of Indoor Air Quality Problem

From: Phil Coseno
Date: 18 Jan 1999
Time: 10:03:02
Remote Name: 152.163.205.62

Comments

Would appreciate any input on how to determine the source and how to correct inside air pollution problem described below.

Background: We own a duplex which was converted before our purchase into a duplex, one up and one down apartments. The house is approximately 80 yrs old. We moved into the lower level apartment 3 yrs ago and evicted the upper tenants so we could go thru the place and upgrade it a little. Basically plaster repair, wallpaper removal, some upgrading of kitchens and baths, painting and general clean up and maintenace both inside and out.

Prior to our work, we had the roof replaced. At that time, there was no insulation in the attic or walls and the attic was not vented. They replaced the roof, removed an old skylite in the attic and did not add any venting (basically with our concurrance since it never had a moisture problem in the past).

Now, both apartments have been gone thru and upgraded. We lived in the lower level for 2 1/2 yrs while we did this on our spare time (do it yourself work and some contracted out). My wife complained about not feeling well at certain times while we lived in the lower level. Mostly in the winter months. (Note the upstairs was not heated while we lived there except when we did work up there). Also, we added 6" of fiberglas insulation in the attic.

NOTE: I should mention that there is a single loop steam heating system (oil fired) which can be controlled from either apartment.

In June of this year we rented both units and moved out. Neither tenant has complained of any problems until we received a call from the downstairs tenant last week about dirty walls and not feeling well.

We visited the house yesterday and verified that indeed there is dirt deposits on some of the inside walls of the lower apartment. Also on the refrig, shower wall and toilet. This stuff does not appear to be dust, but appears to me like a soot like dirt. Also, it seems to be concentrated on the outside (or cold) walls versus the inside walls. (Again, there is no insulation in the walls)

We checked the upstairs apartment and found no evidence of this deposit on any walls. Also, it is not apparent on the stairways between the upper and lower floors or the lower to basement stairs. No sign of any such deposit in the basement either.

More info: Both apartments have smoke and CO detectors installed and no problems have been noted (I have checked to ensure they are working). The downstairs tenant does not smoke. The upstairs tenant does. The downstairs tenant does not turn up her thermostat since it's always too hot. The upstairs tenant never changed his thermostat (set at 72) but the actual temp was 80 in both apartments. We asked to turn the heat down to 68 to see if that would help matters.

Now, does anyone have any idea of what is going on? The boiler was just cleaned and checked last month. There are no signs of excessive moisture due to some trapping of moisture. In fact, I couldn't stand it inside because it was soo hot. CO detection levels never exceeded a reading of 10. There is no sign of any problem with the gas ranges or the furnance. No carpets to speak of as both tenants have area rugs only.

I'm baffled, but need to try to solve the problem.

Thanks for any help you can give.

e-mail - phil121146@aol.com

Last changed: May 27, 2008