Question from Leslie Adams
I read with interest about heating up a newly painted home in order to have it outgass more quickly! However, here in Hawaii, we generally don’t have heaters in our homes – it is warm enough and humid enough that no one would ever turn them on unless living at high elevations during the “winter” season. So: what would you suggest for someone with MCS when trying to find products with which to build or refurbish a home with?
We have read about people researching products, installing what had been touted as “safe” and not offgassing bad chemicals into the air, painting with no-VOC paint (only to learn there are other chemicals IN those paints that do also offgass), etc, only to move in and then find they cannot tolerate living in the house! One is then relegated to a porch or a ?tent – but then, can one tolerate the fireproofing on that tent??! Very daunting. There is also the problem of contractors SAYING they have installed whatever, only to find out later that they haven’t (they charge the home owner for the mor expensive alternative, and then, install something else – and pocket the difference!) – and worse yet, they have subsequently moved on and are no longer in business, so there is no legal recourse. These scenarios have been in our local papers and on TV programs as “consumer beware” items. All of this has set us back from doing anything, as we are NOT contractors, know little about the building business, etc. and are not sure we would be able to protect ourselves for the outcome, which we would like to be positive, in this process.
Any help anyone can lend would be appreciated – is there any kind of “resource” one can look up locally, ie, in phone book (under environmental something-or-other? I can’t seem to find anything other than commercial type resources, or environmental testing at job sites, etc), who can act as a consultant for this type of thing, in order to insure proper and safe products are chose and then actually USED by the contractor? What type of certification does such a person have to have (ie, what certification would we be asking if they have?) I do have your new book as well, and have been busily printing off information from your site for our folder on safe home products! MANY thanks for your invaluable assistance with all this!
Debra’s Answer
First, even in Hawaii you can heat a home for a “bakeout.” If you don’t have central heat, you can use space heaters and do it room by room.
Yes, you do need to be alert to safety claims, but don’t be discouraged by what you see on TV. People with MCS are successfully building and remodeling houses all the time, as I have done myself and we see on this blog.
There are consultants who can help you. I am available for paid telephone consultations and can help you choose products. There are now many green home improvement stores around the country, and you could see if you have one in your area.
I suggest that you call me for a personal consultation and I can help you choose some products and sort out your confusion on this subject.
