Re: RE: contminated heating system

[Guest guest]

Hi Gil

Thanks for the info. Took a look at the duct work etc..all steel and sealed.

The only opening is where the filter slides in. It is very dry...no mold odors.

I did not mention my problem is from heavy smokers use. The inside of ducts

and the fan, heat exchanger etc is almost greasy with the tar and reeks of

stale cigarettes. Formelythyde is a most likely gas as the heat releases it.

It prevents us from using it.

Bryce

Gil Vice <gilvice@...> wrote:

The problem with the HVAC very well may be mold. Such has been documented in

a 1997 article in Journal of Industrial Microbiology titled " Fungal

colonization of fiberglass insulation in the air distribution system of a

multi-story office building " . Other more recent publications confirm that

diagnosis, including the EPA book " Indoor Air Quality, a Guide for Building

Owners and Facility Managers " (available free on-line at www.epa.gov), the

book " Bio-Aerosols: Assessment and Control " and many others. Problem areas

include fiberglass insulation inside ductwork, unlined fiberglass ductboard,

dirty and/or insufficient filters, drain pans which don't drain right, etc.

Forced air HVAC systems can be made better by following modern ASHRAE

guidelines (the same organization whose earlier guidelines caused many of

today's problems. All unlined fiberglass ductboard, and/or interior

fiberglass or other porous insulation should be removed. Pleated

antimicrobial filters should be a minimum. Drain pans and drain lines should

be cleaned and rinsed with dilute chlorine bleach. And last, turn off the

water supply to any humidifier.

Some furnaces are open to the surrounding environment, with no return air

ducts. In such a case, clean dry conditions around the furnace are

essential.

Gil

From: " brycervics " <brycervics@...>

Subject: Re: Actor Busey has mold

We are in a situation where we rented this apt and were unware of the

contminated

heating system. It was hot weather when we rented(leased).

As soon as we turned it on we were becoming ill and had headaches, tight

chest

and watering eye's and other unusual reactions. So we are using electric

heater's

till we can vacate....have a place lined up for Dec. In Wisconsin and most

states

the tenant can show cause to breach a lease if the landlord has not made

proper

prompt repairs. We are a month into the heating season and nothing is done.

So we will seek our deposit and if needed go to small claims court. We can

seek more for the ER visit and a rebate on the rent!!!

But will settle to get out by Dec.and the return of our deposit. It depends

upon

how the landlord pushes this. We do have a solid case of " constructive

eviction " .

Just so you'all know that mold alone is not the only issue in " sick

buildings " !!

Bryce in Wisconsin

FAIR USE NOTICE:

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been

specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material

available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political,

human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc.

We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as

provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17

U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to

those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information

for research and educational purposes. For more information go to:

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted

material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you

must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

[Guest guest]

Hi Gil

Thanks for the info. Took a look at the duct work etc..all steel and sealed.

The only opening is where the filter slides in. It is very dry...no mold odors.

I did not mention my problem is from heavy smokers use. The inside of ducts

and the fan, heat exchanger etc is almost greasy with the tar and reeks of

stale cigarettes. Formelythyde is a most likely gas as the heat releases it.

It prevents us from using it.

Bryce

Gil Vice <gilvice@...> wrote:

The problem with the HVAC very well may be mold. Such has been documented in

a 1997 article in Journal of Industrial Microbiology titled " Fungal

colonization of fiberglass insulation in the air distribution system of a

multi-story office building " . Other more recent publications confirm that

diagnosis, including the EPA book " Indoor Air Quality, a Guide for Building

Owners and Facility Managers " (available free on-line at www.epa.gov), the

book " Bio-Aerosols: Assessment and Control " and many others. Problem areas

include fiberglass insulation inside ductwork, unlined fiberglass ductboard,

dirty and/or insufficient filters, drain pans which don't drain right, etc.

Forced air HVAC systems can be made better by following modern ASHRAE

guidelines (the same organization whose earlier guidelines caused many of

today's problems. All unlined fiberglass ductboard, and/or interior

fiberglass or other porous insulation should be removed. Pleated

antimicrobial filters should be a minimum. Drain pans and drain lines should

be cleaned and rinsed with dilute chlorine bleach. And last, turn off the

water supply to any humidifier.

Some furnaces are open to the surrounding environment, with no return air

ducts. In such a case, clean dry conditions around the furnace are

essential.

Gil

From: " brycervics " <brycervics@...>

Subject: Re: Actor Busey has mold

We are in a situation where we rented this apt and were unware of the

contminated

heating system. It was hot weather when we rented(leased).

As soon as we turned it on we were becoming ill and had headaches, tight

chest

and watering eye's and other unusual reactions. So we are using electric

heater's

till we can vacate....have a place lined up for Dec. In Wisconsin and most

states

the tenant can show cause to breach a lease if the landlord has not made

proper

prompt repairs. We are a month into the heating season and nothing is done.

So we will seek our deposit and if needed go to small claims court. We can

seek more for the ER visit and a rebate on the rent!!!

But will settle to get out by Dec.and the return of our deposit. It depends

upon

how the landlord pushes this. We do have a solid case of " constructive

eviction " .

Just so you'all know that mold alone is not the only issue in " sick

buildings " !!

Bryce in Wisconsin

FAIR USE NOTICE:

This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been

specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material

available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political,

human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc.

We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as

provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17

U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to

those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information

for research and educational purposes. For more information go to:

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted

material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you

must obtain permission from the copyright owner.