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I need help on an IAQ problem

From: Terry Heaton
Date: 22 Jan 1999
Time: 10:03:20
Remote Name: 209.86.44.122

Comments

I've been working on an indoor air quality problem and wonder if anyone has had any experience and/or suggestions that might be helpful. This is a split level home. The IAQ problems and health concerns began following renovations associated with a small electrical panel fire in the garage. The fire was around August 11, 1998. The family moved back into the house Oct. 31 but due to the IAQ problems have relocated to a motel.

The renovations completed in October included: 1) removal of burned and smoked sheetrock, replacement of electrical panel and affected wiring, complete wipe down of the smoked areas with dry sponges 2) sealing of sheetrock and affected areas with "Kilz" 3) fogging of the house with ozone and then later with a blended synthetic isoparaffinic hydrocarbon 4) HVAC system was replaced and the ducts cleaned. 5) Replacement of carpet through out the house with Karastan carpet. Lower level is glue down pad, the upper levels are stapled down pad. 6) Furniture was removed, cleaned and ozone fogged. Clothes, etc were removed and cleaned.

The symptoms were described by the family as: headache, scratchy or "dry throat", itchy and irritated eyes, congestion and nausea. The onset of the symptoms generally begin 20-30 minutes after arriving in the home. The family members only notice these symptoms when they are in the house. The symptoms disappear when they leave the house. Other friends, neighbors, baby sitters etc. have noted similar symptoms.

ACTIVITIES The following are activities associated with this project to date:

1. A 2,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) HEPA filtered microtrap was installed which pumped fresh air into the home for three days. This process seemed to offer some relief to the family members. Due to the low temperatures outside, the microtrap could not be operated continually operated and symptoms returned when the furnace was engaged.

2. Biological mold and bacteria samples were taken, analyzed and compared with outdoor samples. Elevations of mold and bacteria appeared to be within ranges (actually lower) that would be expected.

3. Formaldehyde samples were taken and showed no elevated levels.

4. A sample was taken using a DataChem GC/MS Thermal Desorption tube which checks for 50+ different chemicals and VOC's volatile organic compounds. While there were a number of compounds detected, as would be expected, all were in low PPB ranges.

5. AC Contractor installed a make up air and a "spaceguard" air filter.

6. The humidity levels (winter) were between 20-40%. AC contractor installed a humidifier to supplement the humidity when needed. 7. We have begun a series of "bake-out" sessions in the house where the temperature in the house is raised to 90 degrees and then the house is aired out. This may be helping somewhat but it is too soon to tell.

There is a slight odor in the home that has been described as "sandlewood", "scented candles" or "bad breath", but tests have not shown the cause. If anyone has a suggestion, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks, Terry Heaton E-mail: heaton1@mindspring.com

Last changed: May 27, 2008