cleaning heating ducts

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I joined this group a couple years back to help my Mom, who has MCS, and now I'm

looking for tips for myself.

I've had hives on my arms and legs for over a month. I recently figured out

that the office in our house seems to be the trigger--we had some water

intrusion into a wall, which we fixed, but I'm guessing that the horizontal duct

that goes to the cold air return in that room has mold growing in it now. I've

become really sensitized to whatever is in there--we haven't even used the A/C

all summer, so it's just whatever air breathes in and out of the vents that is

enough to give me hives. Pretty sure this is the cause--I also had eczema on my

face all winter heating season and it decreased when I only used the office when

the heat wasn't running.

Anyway, I've found a very reputable duct cleaning company who seals off all the

vents in the house and uses a whip to loosen anything in the vents, to suck into

a high powered vacuum. I plan to go out while they're doing the work, and have

the windows opened up for some time before I come back. Is there anything else

I can do to minimize my exposure to whatever is in that duct? The ducts really

need to be cleaned, but I'm scared about getting it done because I've become so

sensitive. Any experiences, good or bad, with a similar situation?

Thanks,

Amy