Hi, I have a question. Me and a buddy moved into a semi-detached townhouse about five months ago. Since then, we have both been getting sick very frequently. Mostly it's sinus and respiratory problems but we have also experienced flu-like symptoms a few times. We suspect it is because of the air in the house. It feels heavy and dusty. We want to hire an inspector to check the house out, but it's pretty expensive. I was wondering if we could get our landlord to pay for the inspections. Is it his responsibility to pay for inspections?
Thanks

Actaully you need an industrial hygenist to do a air quality test, most home inspectors don't do ( nor are they qualitied) to do a air quality test.

But it will still be expensive.

Is there vsiable signs of mold ?

Have you had the carpents cleaned,

I would document with doctor's notes the illnesses. Then take this documentation to the landlord and ask them to either inspect or clean the ductwork.

The symptoms can indicate carbon monoxide poisoning. Buying a CO detector for $20.00 now can at least eliminate this possibility, before moving on to find another culprit.

The other problems may be irritating and serious, CO is a silent killer.

Thanks for the quick responses. Just to let you guys know, we actually moved into the house over 7 months ago. My memory has been failing me a lot lately. Fr. Chuck, there aren't visible signs of mold in the house. However, I have read somewhere that it can be present in hard to reach places, such as in between walls. We had the carpets cleaned about a month after we moved in. We rented one of those a carpet cleaning vacuums. And where can I find an industrial hygenist? ScottGem, a few months ago, I had an appointment with a throat, ear and nose specialist. He did a few tests and during my follow up appt, he told me my nasal septum was "off-center". He told me that it wasn't too serious and recommended against surgery. I have seen my family doctor 2 times and discussed with my other symptoms. At the end of each visit he gave me a subscription for antibiotics and recommeded that I take a daily dose of ginko for my memory problems. Neither one helped. Tkrussell, I don't think it's CO. We would probably be dead by now if there was a leak. I'll go out and buy a detector anyway, just to make sure. Any specific detector you recommend?

I made an appointment with my family doctor. What else do you guys think I should ask him about, other than my symptoms.

My appointment with my doctor is this Wednesday. I would really appreciate it if you guys could give me some suggestions as to what I should ask my doctor.

Well, I saw my doctor this Wednesday. I told him about my symptoms and asked whether the environment in my home contributed to them. He did a blood test and after checking my nostrils and throat wrote me a prescription for a nasal spray. He said that my left nostril was more narrow than the right one. I haven't tried the spray yet but I doubt it will help.

Mold = Nasal Congestion
Mold = Irritation of the eyes
Mold = Inflammation of the sinuses
Mold = Irritation of the skin
Mold = Breathlessness
Mold = Headache
Mold = Runny nose
Mold = Fatigue
Mold = Cough
Mold = Sore throat
Mold = Hoarseness
Mold = Inflammation of the ear
Mold = Bleeding Lungs
Mold = Nose Bleeds
Mold = Memory Loss
Mold = Arthralgia ( Pain in the joints without swelling )... Arthritic pain



A professional should be called and yes you should have the landlord call a professional... if the landlord does not have someone knocking at your door in two days... call the health department.. the service is usually free in some counties... Black Toxic Mold or a high spore count are the reason for your situation in my opinion... mention this situation to a doctor and tell the health department that you have gone too have this sickness treated... be blessed... this however is the landlords responsibilities... and give landlord the medical bill for this illness...

Thanks Luna for your response. Wow, so mold can actually cause all of those symptoms? I did not know that until now. However, there aren't any visible signs of mold in our house. Could it be growing in between our walls or in our attic? Unfortunately I did not ask my doctor about exposure to mold. As I mentioned earlier I asked my doctor whether the air quality in our home was the cause of my symptoms but he only suggested that I get an air purifier. And he also gave me a prescription for a nasal spray.

Yes... mold can be found in walls and around piping... and around and in the insulation, washer and dryer outlets
... and yes,. you can also use a dehumidifier and air sterilizer (kills spores)... hope this can help...