Steam Boiler/ Radiator

heathelp990

We have a Steam Radiator Boiler in my old apartment complex that's making me feel sick and I can't figure out why. I have respiratory/breathing issues, brain fog, head tension/pressure, it's messing with me cognitively and causing me nausea.

The complex provided a fan, they insulated the concrete pipes of the radiator and that didn't work. I feel like I'm inhaling something that I shouldn't. A handyman of the complex revealed that there is a leak. But claims that shouldn't be causing me the issue.

The place has a musty smell to it, and of course the complex said it couldn't be mold. Although lots of people say my symptoms sound like it. An electric company also tested for Carbon Monoxide and said it didn't detect it. What could the issue possibly be?

mattmia2

I would say get out of there immediately and call the fire department to test for carbon monoxide. That can kill you and everyone in the building. That is a potential emergency. Don't look for other causes until that is ruled out.

heathelp990

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1836435#Comment_1836435

I had someone from the local electric company test for Carbon Monoxide with a detector and they claimed it didn't read anything.

However I read that sometimes CO* isn't detected when it's low levels, and my symptoms are all very similar to it.

Mad Dog_2

Electric Utility employees are not highly trained First Responders. Listen to Mattmia and call the Local Fire Dept in immediately. This is what they are there for! Mad Dog

Jamie Hall

And it's CO you are looking for, not CO2.

Mad Dog_2

You also should have CO monitors in each level of your home. Mad Dog

Grallert

It's imposable for us to determine what is causing you issues but there is no harm in ruling out CO and in fact that is the first thing you need to do. The FD will likely have the proper equipment to detect CO. Call them, that's one of their jobs.

heathelp990

Does anyone know that happens to a boiler when it has a leak and what it could cause?

I don't see calling the FD as a good idea as the complex has already gotten really nasty towards me and asked me to leave because I'm questioning their heating system and telling them I'm feeling sick. I can imagine how they'd react if a huge fire truck showed up. I'm considering buying something off of Amazon but unsure if those would really be accurate.

They turned the radiator off a few days ago to fix something, keeping very quiet on what it is, very likely the leak I told them they needed to fix, but it's going to be turned on again this week. I'm still having breathing issues in here leftover from whatever is in the air.

When it turns back on, I won't even be able to go on something like this for help because I won't even be able to function, and yet no one is listening to me in RL. I'm frustrated. If it's not carbon monoxide it has to be something else and I can't figure out what that is. I will be moving before they turn them on again next winter but I need to survive the next coming months here now.

heathelp990

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1836464#Comment_1836464

fixed my post

EBEBRATT-Ed

The only other thing you can do besides the CO is contact an industrial hygienist

mattmia2

Did you see a doctor? There are a number of things a doctor should be looking for with your symptoms and carbon monoxide poisoning can be detected in your blood.

heathelp990

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1836636#Comment_1836636

I went to the ER twice last month, I'm going to make another appointment with my PCP or go back to ER if I have to, I want them to check my lungs, and yes if possible check for CO and Mold.