Question from debweb27
Dear Debra,
I live in a Michelama building in NYC built in the 1960’s. The apartment below is renovating. They are doing tiling in the bathroom, and will be putting down flooring with VOC containing glue, installing kitchen cabinetry, painting and priming with water-based Benjamin Moore paint.
During the first week we experienced terrible fumes when they were priming their walls. This past week we had bad fumes from the bathroom when they were doing tiling. We have sealed up our wall vents, door jambs, and unused electric outlets. We still get fumes for several days after work is done below. We have also purchased a Blueair hepa filter.
The building staff has been cooperative with information regarding scheduling so I can evacuate my apartment at appropriate times. They are also supposed to be keeping the windows open in the apartment below. I close my windows during the day when they are working and open my windows at night.
I believe that the biggest concerns are from the non-VOC glue and the paint. I’m not sure about demolition of linoleum tiles on the floor or old cabinetry; plastering; priming walls; and bathroom tiling compounds. I’m also concerned about lead or asbestos or other dust particulate that could be released from demolition.
I have been told that there are performance and cost issues with the water-based floor glues. I’d like to know the extent of this before I make a personal request or anonymous complaint. I’m not sure if the new tenant has been asked yet to switch to non-VOC containing paint and glue but the contractor will be using a very large fan on the days they plan to use these products. As well as keeping windows open.
Debra’s Answer
This is one of the problems of living in an apartment building.
From what you describe, I myself probably wouldn’t stay in the apartment while this construction is going on. Sounds like the building staff is being cooperative. Maybe you could talk with them more about the use of nontoxic materials.
One thing you didn’t mention is the use of heat to outgas everything faster. That won’t handle the fumes from installation, but will greatly reduce the ongoing outgassing.
