Question from Lisa
I’m hoping someone can help.
I’ve lived in a small cottage for three years and have had no health issues. I’m chemically sensitive, but this place has been perfect. And I’m in super health and very fit.
In December, I started having symptoms out of the blue while in the cottage (headache, lung pain, hoarseness, fatigue, dizziness, foggy head, dry cough, etc.) similar to those that I experience when exposed to chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene, etc. I felt so bad that I moved to friend’s house for a week and was totally fine again. The symptoms returned when I returned to the cottage. I left again for a weekend and was great again. All symptoms back when I returned.
I had PG&E test for CO and gas and they found nothing. I had the cottage tested for mold and it came back with an extremely low count (much higher outside) and the inspector said that it was very very low, that there’s more mold outside. I have no sinus issues or itchiness. There is no new furniture and nothing about the environment has changed. Nothing is new. I even asked the neighbors about pesticides and nothing.
I’m hoping someone can offer ideas about anything I might be missing here. Again, have been fine for three years. Am fine when out for a day. Someone mentioned florescent bulbs as a possible problem, but none are broken and never have been. Thank you.
Debra’s Answer
Readers? Any ideas?
That’s how I felt when I first got sick from mold. Most companies can’t test for the levels tat sensitive people feel, nor for mycotoxins. Have you checked everywhere in the house (crawl space/attic) for any signs of moisture damage (especially inside walls)? Also check your thyroid…
My thoughts= possibly the addition of a cell tower nearby or have you added wi-fi?
Just by the symptoms you describe, it sounds like you may be reactive to EMF, coming into the house by way of the electrical meter (called a ‘smart meter’). Please check to see where it is located on the cottage…if you are sleeping in a bedroom with a meter directly outside, it can cause you to have these type of symptoms…perhaps the meter was changed recently from the old analog type. Please let me know what you find out.
Most people with these symptoms do not make the connection with the meter since the general public is not being told about health affects of them.
Good luck,
Ruth
It’s definitely the mold. I was going to say that before I even read further. I’m guessing the person who tested was grossly incompetent. Get a new inspector. If it’s outside your house then it’s seeping in too. Beware of false negative, I get those from labs for bloodwork. Lots of incompetent and lazy people out there these days who give you fake diagnostics in order to go home early. Sad but true.
I wish I had some suggestions. I have lived in my townhome for 8 years and suddenly after being away last summer for 3 months, I returned and have symptoms similar to chemical exposure. I am in a residence hotel where I am much better. I return home and the symptoms return. And similar to the post, nothing in the envirnment changed. Any ideas would be welcome. My thanks also if someone has some ideas.
I suggest you take a look at your outside environment. Are you downwind from some new industry in the area? Could one of your neighbors have taken up a new hobby and be using solvents in their house that they are venting to the outside (look for fans in windows venting out)?
Where I live the prevailing wind is from the south/west. If you know that info it will help in your search.
I have a friend that had her house sprayed by a termite company by mistake. They went to the wrong address. Could that have happened?
I’d still be leary of the florescent bulbs even if not broken. Another friend of mine gets seizures from them.
Aerol spraying for mosquitoes?
Chemicals added to a pond or lake for insect control?
I hope you are able to find the source.
Colleen
I am not an expert on radon, but I recently had a system installed and the installer said that radon tests should be done every 3 years. It might be worth looking into having a radon test done. If you have a well you might also consider having the water tested. Just some ideas.
I am chemically sensitive to print & laser printers (plus other chemicals) & suffer the same symptons. Do you use a printer or read newspapers, books & magazines at home? Photocopied pages & Even Opening the mail causes symptoms for me.
How about radon?
A few thoughts:
Did your cottage recently get a SmartMeter installed/changed without your knowing?
Did a new cell tower get installed nearby?
Is there an increase in wireless networks nearby from neighbors, etc.?
I am sensitive to EMF’s and get similar symptoms.
Sometimes it is helpful to backtrack and figure out what were the last changes made in your dwelling, clothing, supplements, food, water, electronics, furniture, etc. were.
God bless & guide yor in your search. This isn’t easy!