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New house & chemical smells

13 years ago

Hi, I've moved into my new house and seem to be having a problem with a reaction to some of the new products in my house. I do believe my new counter which I used Waterlox on is a big contributor, but I also think other things might be contributing as well.

Have any of you that have moved into a new house had issues with this. My eyes sting and I kind of have a hard time breathing. We have no carpeting just hardwood. I'm hoping this will all go away eventually. Anyone else out there that might have had a similar experience and could provide words of encouragement? Thanks much

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Comments (7)

worthy
13 years ago
If the hardwood was stained on-site with oil-based polyurethane, that could be your problem. Latex-based materials are safer from the point of flammability and breathability. But they do cost more.

A friend just had her floors redone and used oil-based poly and is similarly suffering. I told her to use latex but she was convinced the Lowe's clerk knew better. (Amazing the authority wielded by wearers of that neat blue and red apron!)
gardengirl53
Original Author
13 years ago
The flooring we got was prefinished but I believe we did use a oil-based poly stain for our base. It is just horrible. Worthy, can I ask how long your friend has been dealing with this? Sorry to be a pain, but I'm pretty miserable.
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brickeyee
13 years ago
Turn the heat up to about 80f and spend a weekend at a hotel.

On Sunday afternoon, go by the house, turn off the heat and open the windows, especially on the upper floors.
sue36
13 years ago
After moving in our new house I woke up every day with a sore throat, headache and breathing issues. It lasted about 6 months. We have no carpet (hardwoods are finished with water based). But lots of things "off gas". It went away eventually. It never bothered DH, just me. But I have asthma and am sensitive to chemicals.
gardengirl53
Original Author
13 years ago
brickeye, we're going to try and do that and sue36, how horrible 6 months. We live in the Chicago area and it's going to start to get pretty cold here. I'll only be able to open the windows all day for so long now. Thanks so much for everyones input. Debbie
worthy
13 years ago
But lots of things "off gas".

Plywood and OSB flooring and sheathing and MDF in cabinets all outgas formaldehyde. Don't forget furniture, too, which is often made with high percentages of particle board. Then there's sulfur outgassing drywall from China. Formaldehyde outgassing has declined sharply in recent years due to health concerns, but is still enough to affect sensitive persons. Natural and mechanical ventilation should help.
rockmanor
13 years ago
I am similarly sensitive to certain chemicals, and formaldehyde seems to be the worst offender. As Worthy said, ventilation is the key to alleviating your problem. I had an ERV installed, but I'd guess that in your area a HRV would be more appropriate. Talk to a good HVAC contractor about one (& make sure he/she has installed them before and knows how!) It's made a world of difference. Even though I don't think there are lingering outgassing issues with the house, our ERV does improve indoor air quality for so many other reasons. Good luck!

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