E.G. from Los Angeles County, California writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
HOA has hired a contractor to resurface balcony decks. They are about halfway through and when they got to my area of the complex I noticed an excessive chemical smell. My unit is in a corner of atrium layout and it was no wind and humid that day so I thought the lack of air movement might be the problem. I asked the contractor for info on the deck resurfacing materials. He provided SDS sheets that said chemicals in their packaging are highly toxic and contain isocyanates. When you mix Part A with Part B, it starts a polymerization reaction and the mixture cures and becomes non-toxic. Curing can take up to 48 hours. There are very specific instructions in the SDS requiring user to assess their particular situation and what PPE to use for workers. This product is also used for topping/wearing coats in parking garage decks so it is very heavy duty. MAJOR PROBLEM is that the manufacturer’s instructions require all nearby buildings to seal door, windows and HVAC air inlets to prevent the off-gassing isocyanates from entering interior occupied space. The manufacturer instructions also recommend that the work be done on weekends, nights, etc. to minimize exposure. The contractor is not following these instructions and basically polluting condo interior air with isocyanates. The contractor didn’t even send out safety warnings to residents to keep doors and windows shut. Can you imagine how dangerous this material is if the manufacturer is telling parking garage deck contractors that they need to seal adjacent buildings and here we have full strength off-gassing of isocyanates soaking into condo interiors from as close as the unit’s balcony!!! It is clearly the wrong material for inhabited condos unless you move everyone out or seal the entire complex. This material works for car traffic. Yes, the instructions say it works for balconies also but who would use it for anything but new construction. I brought this safety issue to the Board and they are backing the contractor saying the materials are non-toxic to residents. What should I do?
Mister Condo replies:
E.G., I am sorry that your Board decided to back the contractor and potentially agree to expose residents to potentially harmful toxins. Since neither the Board nor contractor seem concerned with the safety of residents, your only other options lie outside the community. Perhaps your local Board of Health or Fire Department would step in if notified. You might want to speak to an attorney and see if you have legal rights or recourse. Of course, as a practical matter, the job is likely over by now so whatever you do now may be too late and after the fact. However, if your actions prevent even one person from toxic exposure, it is worthwhile, in my opinion. Hopefully, the Board will pay closer attention to materials used in other projects. The safety and health of all residents should always be a top priority. Good luck!
This is a good example of a situation that could speak to your heart about running for a board seat or establishing a committee for safety (or similar). Many concerns crop up that perhaps nobody on the board may have had the forethought – or concern – to put more thorough due diligence when seeking vendors/contractors. Your input before something has been decided and implemented could help make for a safer community. It isn’t easy to influence- or have much impact – on the direction by trying to drive the bus from the back seat.
I have had a similar situation recently where the unit above my condo who was fully aware of using toxic chemicals, did not ventilate and I had trouble breathing. I have been living out of my condo now since July 6th and have had to seek an attorney for resolution as it is only a four unit condo and the other two owners are on the opposite side of the building, very elderly and intimidated by this new owner. Volatile organic compounds do not always carry an odor and can make people and animals quite ill. The local police, township office, etc. can do nothing for me.
This owner has been there only six months and he is a pool contractor that becomes very nasty and belligerent when confronted with the knowledge that some one can’t breathe. Unbelievable..I have been displaced out of my unit, have purchased air scrubbers, an indoor air quality monitor and need to have my hvac system cleaned plus all duct work as well.
I have a similar situation. The new owner in my condo directly above me and fully aware of my chemical sensitivities, decided to put in laminated floors which off gas and build a bench with glues and I had trouble breathing. I left my condo on July 6th and have had to stay at a friends. On July 9th, I had an air quality indoor test done and the chemicals were three times what e.p.a. says are unsafe for in doors. I have had to get a lawyer as this person becomes belligerent when you tell him you can’t breathe.