Question from Rachel Jones
I am looking for mcs safe housing. I found a really good place except that the landlord recently used a minwax oil based wood stain marker on a few areas that had been knicked (the wood on the walls). Three areas in all. It was done over a week ago. they don’t open the windows because corn is nearby and they are concerned about particulate debris. Do you know how long it might be til it is safe? They were small areas apparently but I smell it as I walk in the house. Is there a safe way to remediate it so I can live there? I have had bad experience with minwax floor finish in the past.
Debra’s Answer
It will eventually outgas. Heat will make it outgas faster. Since they are small areas, I would think you could take a hair dryer to those areas to speed drying time, but make sure you have ventilation and wear a mask or have someone else do it.
I know this is a post from years ago but will you please tell me the outcome of this? I made the mistake of using the same marker and I think it has made me very sick. How long did your take to stop bothering you and did you have any lasting side effects? Thank you
While heat expedites outgassing, problematic materials will remain in the unit (and be absorbed by other soft materials like dry wall and wood floors) unless there is adequate ventilation to remove it.
I suggest temporarily covering the offending areas with a double layer of foil and then retesting the area the next day to get an idea of how much absorption is already an issue. If your initial reaction is positive, try to arrange to spend as long a time as you can in the unit for a more thorough test.
An even greater conern is the nearby cornfield. If it’s not organic (and by that, I mean NO pesticides), this is not the place for you.
k2