Question from Kathy
Hi,
For 6 years I have been waiting for my sunroom to outgas or offgas enough that I can find it bearable to use without 9 windows open and a box fan running as an exhaust system through one of the windows. I often smell plastic smells and a chlorine type odor.
The MSDS sheets on everything make it sound wonderful, but that has not been my experience, as I have a burning throat, headaches, and trouble breathing if ever the windows are shut. Is it really legal in this country to sell a room like this? Must I really be out $15,000 and tear it down? There are expanded polystyrene walls which supposedly do not offgas, although I have my doubts.
I am less concerned with the formaldehyde containing wood products, as I have never been bothered longterm by them before, although maybe without adequate ventilation that could be an issue also. I have attempted to cover the vinyl wallcovering with Hard Seal and shellac, neither of which can stop the odor. I don’t know the voc’s which could be involved in vinyl wallcovering, and how toxic they might be. Finally they used a Vulkem 116 caulk which smells awful even after 6 years. I painted over it, but still the smell is emitted. Any ideas? I have a bruised head from banging my head against the wall for 6 years trying to fix this. Many thanks.
Kathy
Debra’s Answer
It sounds like your sunroom is made with some pretty toxic materials. I’m not surprised you are having difficulty with it. Eventually, it will outgas, but I can’t tell you how long that will take. If I were in your shoes, I’d probably tear it down.
