Question from Russ
I have a couple questions in terms of finding a healthy place to live for those of us with MCS.
In my case I’m looking at rentals.
Remodelling: Many rentals will have either a recently remodeled kitchen/bath, recently re-finished hardwood floors, or fresh paint. Most MCS info I’ve seen says these places need to be avoided. Do folks here agree with that or might some of these places still work. I’m especially interested in the case of refinished or new hardwood floors.
I know that gas forced air heat is a big no-no (except maybe if it is a high-efficiency sealed combustion furnace). But what about hot water radiant heat that is fueled by a gas furnace in the basement. Is this still a no-no due to combustion products rising up into the rest of the house?
Thanks!
Debra’s Answer
I wish I could give you a general answer, but these issues really need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
A recently remodeled kitchen/bath is likely to have new particleboard cabinets that reek of formaldehyde. Usually, but not always.
Recently refinished hardwood floors might have very toxic oil-based finish or much less toxic water-based finish. How much the floors are outgassing depends on how recently they were finished. You may be able to use heat to speed up the outgassing.
Fresh paint also depends on the type of paint used. Oil-based paint is difficult to outgas, but a low- or no-VOC paint or even regular latex paint can be easily outgassed with heat.
With a gas heater in the basement, whether or not that is OK has to do with the amount of air that seeps up into the house from the basement. If it is well-sealed, it may not be a problem.
If you find a place you like, I can help you determine if it can be fixed to be less toxic with a paid phone consultation.
This is a wise, but difficult question. The answer depends not only on the materials used in each case, but your level of sensitivity and overall health, the geographic region in which you live, etc. Some people feel better after expediting outgassing by heating or baking out a unit. Others find that effect short lived and inadequate for their health needs. One way to approach an apartment hunt is to spread the word amongst all your contacts, approach potential unit owners before they have a vacancy and ask them to let you look at it before they clean and/or renovate. Some folks have had luck posting flyers asking for this and offering a reward if the rental is successful (which can be anything from a nominal tip to a little something to satisfy the person’s appetite). As for gas and oil furnaces that do not have maximum efficiency and are housed in open basements? Please remember that chemicals have absolutely no manners; they do not knock before entering (and they will enter regardless of which floor the unit is on). Finding healthier housing is a matter of learning to choose which compromises are realistic for you and will sustain, if not improve, your current level of health. Pesticide use, ill maintained furnaces, and oil paint are not sustainable compromises for people with chemical injuries. Beyond that, it’s a delicate balance for each individual. Wishing you success!
Hello: I have MCS so allergy free is very important for me also. I googled allergy free rental accomodations for Florida and some listings came up specifically labelled as such. Here is an example: http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p233068.
I try to travel when I can be outside as much as possible to avoid furnaces, etc. I also avoid mall shopping in lieu of outdoor markets, flea markets etc. Consignments stores are great as the clothes have all offgassed. You can find some fabulour buys.
Hope this helps.
Susan from Toronto Ontario We are currently in Florida to wait out the cold winter at home