Itchy situation

[Guest guest]

I would like your opinion on what avenues to further pursue on this case. Our clinic received a call from 2 workers (out of 3) who around Dec 1 moved into a very small (maybe 10

by 30 foot) office in a very old 3 story building in NYC who are expereincing itching around head, neck and back (under clothing) and " a tight feeling in the head " only when in the office.One person is highly allergic to lots of stuff, including cats, but

this itching is new to her and her allergest thinks there is an irritant present (there is a cat who lives in an adjacent office). The other person was just tested by the same allergest and found negative for all common allergens, including cats. He had one

episode where he also experienced congestion and runny eyes.

Almost all of the furniture and office supplies came from their old office. No mechanical ventilation, steam radiator, an old " tin " ceiling, and large, very leaky old windows. No current water intrusion, but history of it thruought building. Mold samples

in air in a few areas outside their office were recently measured and were negative.They painted the walls before moving in with low VOC paint that they have also used at home with no problem (and no symptoms while painting).One occupant got same symptoms

in another office in the building. History of rats in building but no serious infestations in last 4 years. No pesticides used other than rat pellets years ago. We were there yeaterday and office was 69 degrees and 23% relative humidity (outside was 36 degrees

and 50%, one of the coldest days this winter). A few questions for the group:

1.The dust behind the ceiling and in the floor sweepings was the color of rust- could a rusting ceiling actually take water out of the air, making the building drier than other indoor spaces they occupy? ( they are going to try a humidifier)

2.Are there any invisible mites that we should look for and who would do such an analysis?

3. Levels of dander (ie total human and/or animal cells) were 3000 to 4000 per cubic meter. The lab didnt think that was unusual, but the consultant said it was 30 times higher than normal. Whats your expereince with that

4. Any other thoughts?

From: iequality [iequality ] on behalf of scottarmour@... [scottarmour@...]

Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2012 11:45 AM

To: iequality

Subject: crawl space dirt floor and vapor barrier

How would you address the following advise?

A vapor barrier actually made the mold problem worse by building pressure in the basement and it's better to vent the crawl spaces out with a fan and expose the soil.

[Guest guest]

I would like your opinion on what avenues to further pursue on this case. Our clinic received a call from 2 workers (out of 3) who around Dec 1 moved into a very small (maybe 10 by 30 foot) office in a very old 3 story building in NYC who are expereincing itchingaround head, neck and back (under clothing) and " a tight feeling in the head " only when in the office.One person is highly allergic to lots of stuff, including cats, but this itching is new to her and her allergest thinks there is an irritant present (thereis a cat who lives in an adjacent office). The other person was just tested by the same allergest and found negative for all common allergens, including cats. He had one episode where he also experienced congestion and runny eyes.Almost all of the furniture and office supplies came from their old office. No mechanical ventilation, steam radiator, an old " tin " ceiling, and large, very leaky old windows. No current water intrusion, but history of it thruought building. Mold samples inair in a few areas outside their office were recently measured and were negative.They painted the walls before moving in with low VOC paint that they have also used at home with no problem (and no symptoms while painting).One occupant got same symptoms inanother office in the building. History of rats in building but no serious infestations in last 4 years. No pesticides used other than rat pellets years ago. We were there yeaterday and office was 69 degrees and 23% relative humidity (outside was 36 degreesand 50%, one of the coldest days this winter). A few questions for the group: 1.The dust behind the ceiling and in the floor sweepings was the color of rust- could a rusting ceiling actually take water out of the air, making the building drier than other indoor spaces they occupy? ( they are going to try a humidifier)2.Are there any invisible mites that we should look for and who would do such an analysis?3. Levels of dander (ie total human and/or animal cells) were 3000 to 4000 per cubic meter. The lab didnt think that was unusual, but the consultant said it was 30 times higher than normal. Whats your expereince with that4. Any other thoughts?