Question from Tracy W
I have MCS and am thinking about buying a new house and having it remodeled with non-toxic, MCS friendly materials. Many homes have gas or oil heating systems, especially older homes. Is it okay to consider those homes with the idea that I will have a new HVAC system, such as forced hot water, electric or solar installed after I buy the home? Or should I avoid homes heated with gas or oil entirely?
Can an old home (including an historic home) be remediated and remodeled so that it is safe for a person with MCS? Do I need to worry about the wood floors and other woodwork such as moldings and banisters being contaminated with the residue from wood burning fireplaces and oil heat? Can any residues and odors be removed during a remodel? Can fireplaces be made tolerable if they are cleaned and then not used again?
Thank you,
Tracy
Debra’s Answer
I personally have never made a point to avoid houses that have used gas or oil heat in the past. In fact, the house I live in now used to have an oil heater.
I have remodeled several older homes and contamination from heat and fireplaces hasn’t been a problem for me.
Thinking about it now, gas and oil heat give off combustion by-products, which is not the same as cigarette smoke, which does contaminate a house and is difficult to remove. Combustion by-products are very volatile gasses that dissipate, where as smoke contains many particles that can stick to walls and other surfaces.
I doubt there would be any residues to be concerned about.
Old houses, do however, often have mold and paint often contains lead. Lead in paint, however does not outgas, and can be easily encapsulated by painting over it with a fresh coat of paint. You do need to be careful, however, when sanding paint that contains lead, and make sure any mold problems can be remediated before purchasing the house.
