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Question

Three weeks ago I had my indoor carpeted stairways (24 steps total) redone in hardwood. The result was beautiful. However, this project has made my house (condo) and me sick due to the continued outgassing of toxic vapors from the adhesive my carpenter used. The product was Henkel Corp's OSI Formula 38 Drywall and Framing Adhesive.   It was used to glue all risers, steps and finish trim over the top of the exising step framework that was underneath the carpeting.   That's a lot of adhesive for 24 steps!

Short of doing a demolition/removal of all materials used and starting over with a GREEN/non-toxic approach, what can I do to eliminate these hazardous vapors so I can safely return to my house?     How will I know when they have been completely eliminated?

Submitted: 65 days and 19 hours ago.
Category: Home Improvement
Value: $12
Status: CLOSED
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Accepted Answer

Thank you for using Just Answer!

I have attached some product information on the OSI Formula 38 Drywall and Framing adhesive for your review. Some of the key points to consider are that the manufacturer states that it is only toxic if swallowed. This doesn't mean that people will not have a respiratory sensitivity to breathing the product per the MSDS sheet though.

http://www.osiproseries.com/upload/38.pdf

The technical data sheet also states that you should only use this in areas of cross ventilation and that all windows and doors should be left open during the APPLICATION and CURING.

It also clearly states that vapors can be irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. These characteristics are standard of most all adhesives.

You do not need to start the project over, but do need to follow the manufacturers directions for use of the product. I suspect that the house was not properly venitilated during the application and after completion.

This would result in the fumes building up in the home and causing the symptoms you are experiencing. I recommend airing the house out by opening the windows and doors just as the manufacturer instructed. Leave them open as long as possible and then come back to the house. Close all the windows and doors and see if you still detect the odor.

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Expert: Home Improvement Jay
Pos. Feedback: 98.9 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 9/16/2009

General C&ontractor

6 years exp. residential home and pool construction; mold, fire and flood remediations.

65 days and 18 hours ago.

Reply

Windows and doors were open during application. However, because I can't stay in the house, they are closed at night and reopened each day, weather permitting. How long do you believe it will take for this adhesive to fully cure? It has been three weeks and must still be curing because the vapor continues to reaccumulate when the windows and doors have been closed for a period of time.

Posted by Home Improvement Jay 65 days and 18 hours ago.

Answer

It states that the curing time is 3 to 7 days. It is possible that the installer used more adhesive than was necessary and that is creating the strong odor that you are experiencing. It just may need more time to gradually reduce the odor.

You can also purchase masks that come with vapor filters on them. Painters often use these when working in enclosed areas with poor ventilation. They are readily available at Home Depot and Lowes.

If you have a door or window near the stairs you can take a large fan and use it as an exhaust by setting it to blow towards the outside. This will help pull the vapor out of the house. Another large fan can be placed in a nearby window and set to blow fresh air into the home. This way you are creating a cycle of fresh air into the home and vapor odor air out of the house.

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