EPA's problem was triggered by new carpeting. I no longer recall the name of the chemical, something with a "p" and "4" in it, which for some reason they didn't know was problematic. It took them a long time to get up to speed on it given their line of work. Anyway, the unions got all exercised and we went for years without anyone getting new carpeting even as they hauled the old out. Eventually, they ended up outgassisng the carpet off site and letting the most afflicted work from home. During that process, they also cleaned out all the ducting.
I think my problem came from being located right over the garage. I have a problem with petroleum products. I couldn't smell the fumes because I was also right over the Chinese restaurant, which mostly camouflaged the exhaust fumes. Anyway, this whole process took many years during which we were evacuated every time anyone sniffed anything or spilled anything. The new EPA building has windows that open.
The experience did have a beneficial effect, though, in that, when I bought new carpeting for my home, I knew what to look for and knew to insist on outgassing prior to installation. Even at that, I left my windows open for the first week. |
