Guest guest Posted August 1, 2009 Report Share Posted August 1, 2009 , Two parts: A discussion on Testing and a Future hope. 1. Yes, there are ways to measure " stuff " which is in dryer exhaust, but exactly how depends on what you are looking for and what you want to do with the results. If for your own information then the distinctive smell of the detergent fragrance or softener is sufficient. You know what it is, where it is coming from, and that it is harming you or at least disturbing you beyond the point of quiet enjoyment. To convince someone else is very different. You need them to identify the fragrance from a specific vent and then detect the same fragrance while at your window. But that is only part of the issue. Even if they admit to smelling it that doesn't mean they agree with you that it is harmful or anything needs to be done. They will most likely say something like, " Yes. I can smell it but so what? It doesn't make me sick and actually I like it. So what's your problem? " If you want legal action then you have to prove that a regulated substance is involved, where it is coming from, you are exposed to it above the regulated limit, PLUS that specifically is what is causing your symptoms (illness) rather than any of a thousand other possibilities the defense can imagine. Which means you need a health professional willing to testify as such. If you want to measure the type and level of the chemicals from the dryer then you need some rather expensive equipment and a professional to sample for VOCs. Which ones? The easiest way is to test for those found in the detergent or softner based on the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet from manufacturer or any of several Web sites. Google MSDS). Measure them right at the exhaust to confirm presence and then take another sample at your window where you smell it. It will be a much lower level than at the exhaust but at this point you just want to demonstrate a fragrance from a specific dryer exhaust is is what is coming to your window. At the same time, the samples will give you levels, usually in PPM (parts per million). If any of the specific chemicals detected are regulated by law and exceed the regulated limits, then you may have a case. Don't count on either characteristic, though. For one thing, you'd then need to collect a sample inside your apartment to see what the possible exposure was when you aren't standing at your window. The level will be even lower and less likely to be over the regulated limit because of additional mixing with more air - assuming there was a regulated limit to begin with. Cost: By this time several thousand dollars plus hours of lost time and aggravation, not counting the legal fees. Simpler possibility: Negotiate to have the exhaust vent extended to above the roof line, like is required for radon. If the height is too great a booster fan may be needed which is connected to run when the dryer runs. Cost? A few hundred dollars and cooperation. I've given this long response to illustrate a couple of points. We can (try) to test for just about anything. But the cost can be very high. The results don't always answer the question we need answered. The results CAN'T answer the question we have. A practical remedy is often available at much lower cost in time, money, and aggravation. The key is up-front conversation and negotiation to obtain cooperation. Not always possible but we don't know if we don't try. And try again. The moral: Don't think " test first. " Don't think " testing is the best action. " Sometimes it is but usually it isn't. 2. FUTURE POSSIBILITY: The CDC National Center for Evironmental Health (NCEH) and ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) started a new program June 26. It is called " The National Conversation for Public Health and Chemical Exposure " . The Web site is: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/nationalconversation/ You can also Google " The National Conversation for Public Health and Chemical Exposure " and find additional information about it. The transcript of the kick-off meeting is on-line. You can also read an article about it in Indoor Environment Connections at: http://www.ieconnections.com/pdfs/newsletter/2009/IEC- 07-2009.pdf It's a big PDF so give it time to download. On the left side you will see the Bookmarks (Table of Contents). Click on " At Press Time " to read the CDC article. BTW, the cover story is quite interesting also. I know some of you have had bad experiences with ATSDR and it's Director in the past. But I ask that you give them another chance. We have a new administation and since the election most govt agencies involved in public health have a different attitude with much energy about truly helping people with problems in buildings. (But I think they each have different definitions of what a problem is and isn't). I heard NCEH/ATSDR Driector Dr. Frumkin speak and attended a presentation on the program. I spoke to both people. They seemed very interested and concerned about the low level exposures from common substances like we discuss here. I was told they were investigating ways to prevent the chemical and fragrance manufacturers from dominating and controlling the results like they have in the past. I shared with them how ANSI structures their procedures for writing standards to prevent domination (they were not familiar with ANSI). I have my doubts that they can succeed but am willing to give them the chance. If you respond, remember to make your comments descriptive rather than attacking, honestly stating your experience. If you've seen recent testimony to Congress on TV news analysis programs or C-Span they are good models to follow. Carl Grimes Healthy Habitats LLC ----- > > > OT: Carl, Is there any equipment that measures dryer exhaust outside. I live on the third floor and the > washers are down on the ground floor, A girl next balcony over has a washer but most people use the washers > downstairs. I thought being on a hight level I would be away from the exhaust. I have tried living on every > level through the years at differt complexes. > > Sometimes the fumes are so strong I can't believe this is allowed. One woman uses pinsole to wash. I have > always wanted to get some legislator to do something about putting dryer exhaust vents in new construction > away from windows. I don't understand why nothing is ever done about this issue. Just wondering if there is > some way to measure the chemicals? Thanks, > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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