SV: Re:Bathroom odors related to carpet?

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Interesting topic how different countries / regions have different type of constructions /preferences  …. In the scandinavian countries you would almost NEVER find wall-to-wall carpets on a bathroom …. (ceramic tiles is the norm…) The idea of stepping wet out of the bath-tub and onto a carpet is definetly strange to people from my region of the world … mvhOle CarlsonNorway Fra: iequality [mailto:iequality ] På vegne av Portland PropertySendt: 9. desember 2010 04:45Til: iequality Emne: Re: Re:Bathroom odors related to carpet? Interesting topic. Another point to consider is that installation of wall-to-wall carpeting should really be discouraged for bathrooms and other environments prone to high humidity and potential water exposure. AKS Henry,I would agree with Curtis. Have the homeowner cover the carpet temporarily and if it is the cause, the problem should disappear. The best thing for covering carpets is carpet protector (adhesive-backed film that painters use). It's a lot safer and longer lasting than poly (though VOCs may diffuse through after a while).It's available from building supply stores and on line from www.pro-tect.com. It's best for particulate emissions. I often recommend diagnostic use of this material for folks with allergies that may be due to allergens in carpets or even cushioned furniture.Personally, I never travel without the stuff. MayMay Indoor Air Investigations LLCTyngsborough, MAwww.mayindoorair.com> __________________________________________________________> 1a. Bathroom odors related to carpet?> Posted by: " slack.henry@... <mailto:slack.henry%40epa.gov> " slack.henry@... <mailto:slack.henry%40epa.gov> henryslack1953> Date: Mon Dec 6, 2010 8:32 am ((PST))>>> Friends and colleagues:>> A caller today who has had odors in his home, especially the bathrooms> and laundry. The odor is strong enough in one bathroom shower that he> has felt faint (but has not fainted) (washing the four-year-old, who> takes showers but needs assistance).>> He has found someone who believes this odor is due to a reaction between> the water's chlorine dioxide and something from his new (2-month-old)> carpet.>> Plumbers have checked the water connections (city water) and also> conducted a smoke test, without finding any source of problems. (It> doesn't smell like sewer gases, anyway.) Water department tested for> chlorine levels, found normal. Home is single family on a lot, 1500> sf, split-level foyer, partial basement, built 10 years ago, so probably> fairly tight, He's lived there 7 years without an odor issue (until> now). No sign of water damage. Gas heat and water (I think - did not> ask specifically) but no problems seen with those. No new furniture> recently, or molding - just the carpet.>> One day he ventilated the house a lot (fan in the four-year-old's> bathroom, windows open all over), yet a few hours after closing things> up, still had the strong odor in that bathroom. The odor is not as> strong in other places, but has been smelled in different rooms, not> just the bathroom's.>> He will probably have the carpet replaced (I suggested MSDS of the> glues, using Green Label or GL+ carpet, low VOC products). I also> suggested an ERV as a way to help -- but said it might not solve the> odor.>> I welcome any ideas, and especially, any experience with this sort of> problem.>>> Henry Slack> U.S. EPA Region 4> slack.henry@... <mailto:slack.henry%40epa.gov>