Toxic Gas Detection & Test Questions & Answers:

Frequently asked questions about testing & detection of toxic, harmful, or obnoxious gases & odors in & around buildings.

This article series discusses gas toxicity levels and gas testing procedures.

Toxic Gas Test FAQs

These questions & answers about how to test for harmful or toxic gases in and around buildings were posted originally at GAS EXPOSURE SCREENING TEST - be sure to review the procedures and options described there.

On 2019-01-28 by Mark

@Craig,

Does it have sprayed in foam insulation around it ?

We just built a new house and they used Closed Cell Foam Insulation, the envelope around fireplace it getting over 230 Deg F, the insulation is rated to only 180 Deg F, we think causing it to outgas

On 2018-12-14 by Shylah

Metal machinery smells that turn stomach causing to vomit at times.

On 2018-01-22 by Craig

We have smells from a Mendota Fireplace Insert that we’ve been trying to diagnose for a few years now.

Creosote issues have been corrected, gaskets and sealants replaced, and a new front protection screen installed have helped somewhat but we still have odors.

It’s noticeable to us after about 10 minutes or so and is hard to describe because the smell changes after a while, and changes depending on how hot the unit is running. It also seems that when it gets hot, we also get just a little bit dizzy.

The installers/manufacturers say they can’t really smell anything that is definitive and are becoming non-responsive, I have been looking for a way to actually test the air in the room before we start the nit and then while it’s running. Is there anything you can think of that could point me in the right direction?

Do you know how I could find an expert to help me with this in Southern Maine? Thank you.

On 2018-01-05 by (mod) - toxic orange smelling spray

David

A swab of a spray may not be diagnostic but you could of course send a sample to any forensic lab. Call the lab first to be sure that they agree that your concern and sample is within their scope. Environmental experts and test labs can also be found using the page top EXPERTS DIRECTORY link on any of our web pages (or in the page top drop down menu if you're on a cell phone)

On 2018-01-05 by David brown

There was a toxic orange smelling spray that was coming through my crack of my windows and the bottom of my patio door and threw my air conditioner one night I want to get a swab and see what it is

On 2017-12-22 22:39:56.163234 by Oxana Ferguson

Mum live in Minsk, Belarus. Country didn't doing any test. She have smell in the house and nobody help for her. How to do delivery to the Minsk and can I pass check out control?

On 2017-11-15 by (mod) -

Seems to me that your "indoor air tests" have been insufficient; perhaps what's needed is an actual visual inspection, site survey, case history taking and thus a thoughtful investigation.

Meanwhile if you experience those conditions in the building you could be at risk so should probably go elsewhere.

On 2017-11-15 by Rose

we fumes that's burn our eyes and throat there is an odor like varnish it seems to be worse when there is no wind movement out have had two indoor air test done shows nothing that would cause this

On 2017-06-30 by (mod) -

Patsy,

If you already know that the carpet or its padding is the odor source and cleaning didn't help you may have no choice but to remove the carpet and clean the floor below. Testing of the carpet in that case isn't useful - and wouldn't change your options.

Before replacing the carpet I'd want to be sure it was actually the source of the unacceptable smell. You can search this site using the search box above to find our article on SMELL PATCH TEST KIT for a low cost way to confirm the carpet as the culprit.

On 2017-06-26 by patsy

i have a smell in my home that smell really bad after cleaning the carpet . i have had it cleaned by stanley steemer an the odor is still there . seems i smell it more than anyone else how do i get my home tested . am stumpped to what to do . email is topaz572@yahoo.com

On 2017-05-15 by (mod) -

Margie, I'm a stumped chump on this one. It would help to know what possible gas sources exist at your property, such as

- is there natural gas or propane at the site (those have distinctive odors)
- are there scented products used in the home

Else we're left warning you about SEWER GAS ODORS (use the search box just above to find that article for more detailed advice)

Or see our article series on ODOR SOURCE DIAGNOSIS & CURE

On 2017-05-15 by Margie

I smell and have effects of some type of gas coming into my bathroom and bedroom area. This seems to be controlled by strong to no smell. It's a sweet musky smell.

On 2017-03-17 by (mod) -

Sulphur odors are often from a source named at SULPHUR & SEWER GAS SMELL SOURCES

Please take a look at that article (found by using the search box on this pagbe and looking for "sulphur gas odor sources")
and then let me know how things progress.

In my OPINION it makes no sense whatsoever to start randomly spraying something on some furnishings or carpets and that might even risk creating a new problem.

Also search InspectApedia for SMELL PATCH TEST to see an easy way to test surfaces for odor omission.

Your observations suggest an inspection of the heating system.

On 2017-03-17 by Christina

I need advice on how to proceed. A room in my house has started to smell like sulfur and gas. My landlord called the gas company to test for a leak.

None were found and no natural gas was found. There was an old dryer pipe that hadn't been capped off so the landlord capped it off.

A few hours later the smell came back full force. Ivery been getting headaches and lightheaded. The landlord doesn't know what to do next. All he said for me to do was spray the carpet and furniture and ventilate the room. But ventilation hasnt been helping and the smell is stronger when the heat is running.

On 2017-02-14 by (mod) - get out of a building if it appears to be unsafe, then call for help

Veta

Watch out: You should not stay in an area that has the conditions you describe as it may be unsafe for you as well as for other building occupants.

Go out and call for help from emergency services if indeed there is an obvious severe problem happening in the building.

On 2017-02-14 by Veta

At 4:30 am Feb 14 I started coughing and there was smell not smoke but very thick like smoke and my eyes began to burn. How can the indoor air be tested Vera@veragilford.com

On 2017-02-08 by (mod) - there is no single "catch all" IAQ gas screening test for all possible contaminants

James,

You will need first to decide what category of indoor pollutants you are seeking to recognize. There is no single "test" nor "tool" that an scan/screen/identify all of the millions of possible particulate or gaseous substances that might be in indoor air.

I recommend that readers start protecting their home or office by being sure that there are working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors properly located and installed and tested.

There are a few screening collections of gas sampling tubes sold by Draeger for use by firefighters and that are good at detecting common hazardous airborne pollutants that follow a building fire, but those will by no means address all possible indoor pollutants.

Therefore a sensible approach is to examine the complaint, the building history, materials, condition, and to identify common contaminant sources, investigating those further. For particulate contaminants (mold, pollen, insect fragments, dust mites) often a settled dust sample can be informative and is practically free it's so inexpensive (for dominant particles, not for quantitative analysis which is questionable anyway).

Search InspectApedia for DUST SAMPLING METHODS for details of that approach. (That does not address gaseous nor chemical contaminants)

Search InspectApedia for WHEN TO HIRE AN EXPERT to find a more organised, disiplined approach.

On 2017-02-08 by James Someerville

How can I purchase a tester for toxic indoor air quality? thanks brn2bwld27@gmail.com

Question: report on inadequate indoor gas testing, deaths, illnesse, worries about competent gas testing

My wife and I were exposed to carbon monoxide (and I'm assuming other combustible gases) for well over a year without knowing.

We lived on a ground floor of an apartment and holes were drilled through the floor for plumbing and elec. but were never covered.

They insurance company had Pinchin Engineering do a test on the place. and we were shown a basic 1 page sheet of CO and CO2 levels both in and around the house.

The readings from our detector that we finally bought a year later were at times almost 300. there readings were 20.

however the CO2 levels were 859.

Does this mean that combustion was happening because of both the readings and if so wouldn't tests be done for other combustible gases that may be present?

We lost a baby, dog died 2 years later, heart and kidney failure. wife has heart and joint issues. and I have a list as well. They settled out of court for $300Gs but I feel like we didn't receive ALL the disclosure from the air quality test. - Matt 11/30/11

Reply:

Matt,

Of course we are so sorry about the tragic losses you described, and I understand the tragedy of losing a child. When we suffer a tragic loss it is so difficult to endure that the look for a cause and blame is understandable, though sometimes we can be led astray in such a search.

In attempting to relate an illness or fatality to a building or environmental condition, a good place to start is with the physicians involved - ask about possible relationships between the illness or death and environmental factors.

About varying gas levels in buildings, our field experience confirms that small changes in a building (a window open or shut, or a door, or a bird building a nest in a chimney, or seasonal sooting in an oil fired appliance) and similar events can make an enormous difference in the measured result of indoor gases, airborne mold, other contaminants.

For that reason, it is no surprise that a year later an individual measurement of gases indoors might find a very different level.

Only if the source of an indoor hazard can be clearly traced to a condition that was present, recogniziable by general home inspection standards and procedures, and visible at the time of the original inspection would one suspect the original inspector or test company of negligence.

• For CO₂ (carbon dioxide) typical indoor levels see
  
  TYPICAL CO₂ LEVELS.
• For CO (carbon monoxide) information
  
  see CARBON MONOXIDE - CO
• For examples of the sorts of conditions that an inspector should be able to observe and report
  
  see CARBON MONOXIDE INSPECTION

Lastly, when considering a report from any building investigator, make certain that s/he is financially and ethicallyi completely independent from the person or company recommending or arranging for that service or inspection.

Conflicts of interest in such matters are intolerable and even dangerous. And of course, provding more than one version of any building investigation report, say different versions to different parties, smells bad to me too.

Question: naphthalene gas has permeated carpeting, clothing, drywall

(June 12, 2015) Cragi said:
I think I may have some naphthalene gas that has permeated carpeting, clothing and maybe even some drywall. Where can I get some testing supplies to see if there is some danger for that.

Reply:

Cagi

I suggest starting with a consult with your doctor who might order a blood test.

NPIC notes that "Methods also exist for detecting naphthalene and its metabolites in blood, urine, feces, breast milk, and body fat but these
tests are not routinely done in a doctor’s office."

Tests in the home for any gas or chemical, if not performed by an experienced, qualified investigator are likely to give misleading results.

See MOTHBALL ODORS

Question: heating oil burner odors - shared flue problem?

(June 28, 2015) Bill said:
I have both a furnace and hot water heater sharing a damper and chimney. I get a oil-type odor when either comes on.

The damper has no adjustment capability. If I put a sheet of paper over the damper, it is not sucked toward the damper. I shaving both units sharing a damper a problem?

Reply: yes

Yes it's a problem.

See DRAFT REGULATOR, DAMPER, BOOSTER and also

see DRAFT REGULATOR SOOT INSPECTION for details.

Question: Testing burial vaults & mausoleums for lead & gases

(Dec 9, 2015) Jeremy Tilley said:
We have been asked to repair and rebuild above ground burial vaults/mausoleums which have become dangerously unstable. we need some advice with regards to how or who should test inside these vaults for lead contamination and noxious gases. Preferably we would like an expert to provide the proper tests.

Reply:

I suggest looking for a local Industrial Hygienist who is familiar with lead testing and gas testing.

See

also MVOCs & MOLDY MUSTY ODOR REMOVAL

Question: smells traced to soon-to-be Ex Husband

(Dec 14, 2015) Carol said:

I need help!! My soon to be ex lives in a basement apartment directly under me on the first floor and I there seems to be a sweet smell oddly from only one heat zone via my baseboard heat which is where I spend most of my time. I have been experiencing various symptoms some of which are nausea, light headed, eye slightly burning,odd taste in mouth.

I have called the fire dept but their equipment shows nothing. I am waiting for toxicology blood work results and called various agencies including air quality via NYS Environmental but he cannot come here for 30 days. here is the most important part....

when I confronted my ex and asked what the smell was that is only in one area upstairs which is one of 5 heat zones, his response was.....Are you accusing me of using a poisonous, toxic gas to make you sick?

OMG! What could he be doing that could direct a smell to one area?? If you're not sure, who would I call to come to my house top check for toxic gas??

Reply:

I'm speechless.

Question: odor after shower was removed

(Dec 20, 2015) Anonymous said:
My husband recently took out a shower that was leaking and now there is a older very sharp not mildewy but almost toxic smell does anybody have any ideas as to what it would be

Reply:

It's tough to guess at an odor from a brief e-text; Look at what got wet; look for mold. Look for drain line leaks.

See PLUMBING SYSTEM ODORS - home

Question: incinerator dust fumes

(Jan 6, 2016) Elizabeth said:
Hi, I have been dealing with incinerator dust fumes I've somehow picked up on my clothing over 3 months ago and it has traveled all over my apartment and is now in my refrigerator. How do I safely remove this noxious, toxic gas and still keep all of my food?

Reply:

See ODOR DIAGNOSIS CHECKLIST, PROCEDURE

Question: non-fuel but gas smells from boat

(May 2, 2016) Bob said:
I have a boat with a gas type smell (not gasoline) coming from an area in the boat that is not easily accessed...The gas / smell is heavy (strongest closed to the floor) and sorta takes your breath away if you in hale deeply ...This is very frustrating trying to get to the source and ultimately a solution..Any help ideas much appreciated...

Reply:

Bob:

My dad sold a boat on the Rappahannock River in the 1950's - warning the buyer to vent everything before starting the engine.

The buyer ignored him and blew up the boat. So please be careful. Also

see LIGHTNING STRIKES SMALL BOAT -

I can't guess what you're smelling: perhaps a dead animal, or bilge water. See if you can borrow a borescope to take a closer look.

Look for bilgewater, fiberglass or plastic odors, etc.

(May 2, 2016) Bob said:
Thanks ....

The smell is definitely not animal ( I know what that is - not petroleum.
I am thinking mold/left over bilge water. That said, and say that one or the other is the problem.
What are solutions you could recommend ? Your help much appreciated.

Mod said: you need to get access to the area and at the very least, clean it of bilge water.

Question: fumes from hair salon

(June 21, 2016) D said:
I have been renting a small space (782 sq ft) for a business I own for the last 16 years. We have a hair saloon on one side of us and every once in awhile we would get fumes from the perms or nails.

About 6 months ago the landlord brought in another hair saloon (long story why we have two in same plaza) but every since the second hair salon came in my little store reeks of perms/nails ect. It can get so strong that my eyes are constantly red and I have headaches.

My customers are complaining. I have talked to the management and so far nothing has happened. Can you tell me how and if the fumes are dangerous and if there are a test I can perform to prove to management something needs to be done. thanks D. S.

Reply:

(mod) said:
I can't assess the hazard level of gas exposure from an e-text, D, but generally if you and your customers are complaining it's pretty evident that there's at the very least an irritating level of exposure that could be harmful as well. I don't think that an amateur DIY gas level test would be credible; nor is there one single economical "test" that screens for all harmful gases.

You'd need help from an industrial hygienist who can tell you which ought to be the target gases for testing (such as formaldehyde), how to measure under controlled conditions, and how to compare a measurement to an occupational exposure standard.

D said:
Thank you for your input. I'm at my wits in, maybe its time to look for a new space for my business.

(mod) said:
You could try giving your health department a call.

Or, though I'm not a ... lawyer, but your attorney might take a look at your lease; normally a landlord isn't required to do much, but "safe" and "habitable" and maybe "free from noxious odors" might be allowed for in tenant's rights.

Question: odors from fireplace when gas fired water heater is operating

(July 12, 2016) Stan M said:
I have a old house built in 1960. I replaced furnace , gas. I still have a older hot water heater vented at the chimney.

When my air is circulating I smell a slight gas from the fireplace. Is their a tool I can use to detect gas. Is it posable that gases are coming from fireplace? I'm wondering if it's burning gas from the hot wate heater. Wouldn't it be vented to the chimney and could you see the metal vent on top of chimney. I'm not sure how they did back in the 60s .

Reply:

Yes Stan, most home inspectors use a simple, highly-sensitive combustible gas detector - search InspectApedia

for GAS DETECTION INSTRUMENTS to see details about the TIF8800 and other devices.

Watch out: there could be serious safety concerns at stake based on what you describe. I certainly would consider turning off gas supply and not using the fireplace until this condition is examined by an expert.

Also see ODORS FROM HEATING SYSTEMS

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