Has anyone experienced moving in to a new house with unpleasant odors? I don't know if it is the carpeting or paint but it is causing severe lung distress, burning throat, lungs, eyes. and we haven't even moved in yet. The house has been finished about a month. We have the windows open, fans on, and it has not helped. I'm told by the field engineer it will eventually dissipate but I don't know how I can stand to even move in. No, of course, you guessed it, it does not bother my husband in the least. Anyone else with lung disease experience this? How long did it take for the odors and irritants to go away? I worry about what this exposure will do to my lungs. Any help or advise would be appreciated, especially from some one who has had the same problem. Thanks.

Has anyone experienced moving in to a new house with unpleasant odors? I don't know if it is the carpeting or paint but it is causing severe lung distress, burning throat, lungs, eyes. and we haven't even moved in yet. The house has been finished about a month. We have the windows open, fans on, and it has not helped. I'm told by the field engineer it will eventually dissipate but I don't know how I can stand to even move in. No, of course, you guessed it, it does not bother my husband in the least. Anyone else with lung disease experience this? How long did it take for the odors and irritants to go away? I worry about what this exposure will do to my lungs. Any help or advise would be appreciated, especially from some one who has had the same problem. Thanks.

I work on construction sites, and can tell you first hand that the materials used can severely irritate the lungs.

It's probably not the paint (though it could be). The lumber used today is treated with Formaldehyde (a severe irritant, and one that affects me the worst). In addition to lumber, it is also found in some drywall materials, ceiling tiles, carpeting material, flooring glues, and a few others. A new home has the distinct smell of chemicals, and they affect people in different ways.

The best thing you can do is leave the property until the concentration has subsided. Leave your windows open and air out the place as best you can.
If you air out the place well, you can expect to move in symptom free within a few months. The VOC concentration of most construction substances lingers for a few months, and after that, the surface where they were used should no longer emit any vapor.

I work as an Electrician wiring new property only. I have to work quick and then leave the area before the fumes overcome me. I have an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by certain chemicals (years of exposure lead to sensitivity).

Here's hoping that you can live comfortably in your new home soon!

Best regards,

Ryan

Ryan, thank you for your response. Having a better idea of how long it will take for the fumes to dissipate is helpful. Peggy