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Chemicals in new home cause illness: family does not open windows
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Within days of moving into a new home, the Wilson family felt ill. They had sore throats, burning eyes, chronic fatigue, skin rashes, and repeated sinus infections.
Many chemicals in new homes can cause respiratory discomfort and skin irritation. Formaldehyde, a common chemical in new wood products and finishes, is an irritant and an asthma trigger. Other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) cause similar symptoms. New building materials emit substantial amounts of these chemicals initially, with emissions decreasing over time.
Young Alex Wilson developed asthma. Alex also had chronic sinus problems, and a CAT scan revealed that his sinuses were completely blocked on one side. His physician suggested surgery to repair the blockage.
Formaldehyde is very common in wood products, especially pressed wood products and medium density fiberboard (MDF). Downstairs, the house had wood laminate floors throughout. The bedrooms had carpet over plywood underlayment. The entire house had wide MDF baseboards, casements, and crown moldings.
Two medical specialists believe that Alex’s symptoms were caused by a chemical irritant in the home, possibly formaldehyde. His symptoms disappeared when he was away from home over a long weekend. Within hours of coming home, his symptoms returned. Alex’s pediatrician recommended the family move out of the house, which they did after seven months of illness.
According to the EPA, 0.1 ppm of formaldehyde can cause health effects in many persons. Some individuals are sensitive to formaldehyde at lower concentrations. Formaldehyde in new homes can exceed 0.3 ppm.
Testing the Wilson’s home for chemicals, we discovered something more surprising than the typical chemicals expected from new building materials. We discovered the Wilsons rarely opened their windows. Living in sunny San Jose with pleasant weather most of the year, the home was kept completely closed in all seasons.
Any new or remodeled home contains wood products, paints, finishes, adhesives, and other materials that emit varying amounts of formaldehyde and VOCs. Extra ventilation is needed, especially during the first year, to dilute those chemicals with outside air. In most cases opening windows for a few hours, several times a week, is all that is needed.
Mrs. Wilson discussed the situation with attorneys, and the family is considering legal action. However, they never took the most basic step of ventilating the home. Natural ventilation could have prevented their medical problems and the disruption of their lives.
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