Steam Heat and Allergies

jerry scharf_2

Vincent,

First, to state the obvious, steam will not do anything to those who are pollen, volitile organic or dust mite sensative. It won't make them worse and it won't make them better.

There is little trouble with stuff growing in the pipes. Very few living things can withstand atmospheric pressure steam. The concern would be with the vents or leaks. If the vents are leaking steam or water, they could produce an excellent localized growth site, especially for mold. Make sure the vents are not spitting or leaking steam and there are no leaks in the pipes or at the boiler. Then things should be fine.

hope that helps,
jerry

Vincent Valentino

Steam Heat and Allergies

My wife is convinced that our steam heating system is causing her allergies to flare up. She thinks that mold or some other toxins have formed in our steam heating system and are causing her to wake up with typical allergy symptoms. I flush the system on a regular basis but the system has not been cleaned in a few years. Is it possible that steam heat can affect allergies or other related sinus problems?

David Efflandt

More likely dry air

Unless you have a leak (or roof leak) somewhere that is rotting something, it is likely the opposite. As it gets colder outside, the air holds less moisture, and when warmed inside, holds even less (assuming any air vents on the steam system work properly). And the steam would tend to kill anything in the steam system itself.

Dry sinuses could be easily irritated or swollen (especially if someone has not had enough sleep). Some sort of evaporative humidification or house plants can help. Although, I am allergic to grass pollen and did not think about a palm being in the grass family until I had alergy symptoms when it started pollinating.

If you have a tightly sealed home, you might also check for carbon monoxide, from gas stove or could be drawn the wrong way if you have any exhaust fans.