SV: Re:Bathroom odors related to carpet?

[Guest guest]

Agreed - while I have seen carpeting in bathrooms, I can't help but comment that

this is asking for trouble...

Ian Childs

Australia

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> 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.

>

> May

> May Indoor Air Investigations LLC

> Tyngsborough, MA

> www.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>

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