Thread: What in the world is this???

Hi everyone,

I'm posting this for my aunt in South Jersey. She had issues with mold in her bedroom in an adult community. She hired a company to clean the mold. She complained of fumes and crystals from the vents. She hired another company to investigate the new issue. Next, she smelled strong chemical fumes that are so strong that she won't return to her home. A third company was hired and found black or dark residue in her vents. I have included pictures of two of the vents. The vents were cleaned yet she still smells the scent of strong chemicals and refuses to stay in her own home.

What in the world could cause so many issues?

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No idea, but I would take a sample and get it analyzed in a lab.

I mostly deal with hydronic heating systems, but I'm going to chime in on this. The photo doesn't provide enough information to even begin to answer your question. What are the vents hooked up to? What is their purpose (heating?, air conditioning?, ventilation?). If there is an appliance connected to the vent where is it getting its fresh air supply (makeup air) from?

What does the black residue look like? is it sticky... is it flaky... does it have an odor? is the residue coating the entire inside of the vent... is it concentrated along the bottom or the top of the vent? I could go on and on with my questions but you get the picture. You need to provide much more detailed information if you want a meaningful answer.

Hiring a qualified professional would go a long way towards answering your questions.

Good luck.

- - - Updated - - -

I mostly deal with hydronic heating systems, but I'm going to chime in on this. The photo doesn't provide enough information to even begin to answer your question. What are the vents hooked up to? What is their purpose (heating?, air conditioning?, ventilation?). If there is an appliance connected to the vent where is it getting its fresh air supply (makeup air) from?

What does the black residue look like? is it sticky... is it flaky... does it have an odor? is the residue coating the entire inside of the vent... is it concentrated along the bottom or the top of the vent? I could go on and on with my questions but you get the picture. You need to provide much more detailed information if you want a meaningful answer.

Hiring a qualified professional would go a long way towards answering your questions.

Good luck.

Originally Posted by Thiese Francis

Hi everyone,

I'm posting this for my aunt in South Jersey.

First off may I say, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your aunt. She must hold a special place in your heart. I concur. Family matters.

Thiese, I am going to ask questions, as well as make some comments and recommendations based on your remarks.
1: Does anyone else smell this?
2: Is she in her own self contained home, or an apartment complex?
2a. If she is in her own home, have a reputable company collect air and physical samples from the duct work.
2b. If she is in an apartment style complex, you must bring this up the the management.

Originally Posted by Thiese Francis

She had issues with mold in her bedroom in an adult community. She hired a company to clean the mold.

3: Ask that company to send you the report on the samples they collected to identify the "species" of mold they remediated, and what protocol they followed for remediation of any species found.
3a: As well, ask them to send you the report of the samples samples, typically air and swab, taken after the work was completed if that is part of their protocol.

Originally Posted by Thiese Francis

She complained of fumes and crystals from the vents. She hired another company to investigate the new issue.

4: Write to that company as well and ask them to send you the report on the samples they collected to identify the "species" of mold they remediated, and what protocol they followed for remediation of any species found.

Originally Posted by Thiese Francis

Next, she smelled strong chemical fumes that are so strong that she won't return to her home.

Tell your aunt I feel sorry for her inconvenience and that hopefully this matter will be resolved shortly.
I have smelt strong chemical fumes for a very short period, seconds, from what I suspect was an evaporator leak upon further review. I felt dizzy and as best as I can describe, an a adrenaline or caffeine high to which I get anxieties.
I say this because there was little cooling shortly after and a HVAC company was called in the next day to add R22 to the system.

Originally Posted by Thiese Francis

A third company was hired and found black or dark residue in her vents. I have included pictures of two of the vents. The vents were cleaned yet she still smells the scent of strong chemicals and refuses to stay in her own home.

5: Await their findings.

Originally Posted by Thiese Francis

What in the world could cause so many issues?

I do not want to speculate. Await the last company to see what they have to say on this matter.
As time moves on insure you get answers to your questions from all mold remediation companies.

Please follow this link that explains how mold may develop in a HVAC system and ductwork, and keep us posted please. As well, give your aunt my/our best.

Sorry to hear about your aunt's difficulties. It would help to know a few more details regarding the situation.

Is this a new home for her?

Is her home attached to other units in a common building?

First, I am contradicting most of the previous posts, no offense guys but testing for species of mold, collecting samples, etc. is pretty much useless except to line the pockets of the testing companies.

Hire a qualified professional sounds good but what does that mean? Mold inspection and "air quality technicians", etc. don't cut it. Hire an Industrial Hygienist to come out and inspect the premises.


Then follow his advice.