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Fragrance Reactions - [Was: Re: T-2® Trichothecene Mycotoxin Urine Test Kit]

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,

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

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>

>

> 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,

>

>

> >

> >

> >

>

>

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