Question from Tanya
We recently moved back into our 50 year old house that we had rented out for 8 years. About 9 months ago we had new carpet installed and I thought that this would give the carpet time to outgas. I felt ok the first 2 weeks we were in the house but have gradually starting feeling worse. After a little research I found out that the carpet had been factory treated using Scotchgard Protector Advance Repel Technology. I should have done my homework before I bought this carpet because I think this is what is causing me all the trouble.
The house originally had wood parquet tiles that were glued done. Over the years some of the tiles became loose so we took all the tiles up before we put carpet down the first time in 1993. (This was before I had MCS). Unfortunately the glue was hard and brittle and most of it stuck to the floor but it was not a problem because you couldn’t feel it under the carpet and pad. The carpet we had installed last summer also was installed over the dried adhesive.
Now we are wanting to remove the new carpet and install ceramic tile. I know the liquid removers are highly toxic. I have seen a floor scrapper machine that can be rented but my husband thinks that no matter how we remove the adhesive it would cause a problem for me. My question is: Is there a safe way to remove the old adhesive?
Thank you for all that you do for those of us who with MCS!!!
Tanya
Florida
Debra’s Answer
I’ve removed old adhesive from floors before and I just did it on my hands and knees with a scraper. If you can get the scraper at an edge, it comes right up. It’s probably quite cured by now.
If removing it does cause a problem for you, leave the house til it’s done and the new tile is installed. Ceramic tile and mortar will completely block whatever is under it.
