I have a question about wood floors and possibly just wood in
general.

A few years ago I developed a weird allergy/sensitivity to being
around certain wood floor homes or establishments with lots of wood
fixtures.

I notice it most intensely when there is a sweet smell, kind of like
older wood or something (possibly mildew) The kind of smell I notice
in old churches or other old establishments. I also notice the issue
when there is a strong natural wood smell like in a cabin or
something.

I'm wondering if anyone could tell me what this could possibly be
causing the sweet smelling odor and if wood is giving off a strong
natural wood smell in a home is it possible to lock it in with a type
of finish.

I think I'm currently dealing with a mixture of both odors in the
apartment I just moved into. I'm thinking of laying some kind of
finish on the floor to possibly lock in the wood smell and getting a
air purifier that gets mold out of the air (considering the problems
are what I'm assuming they are).

I appreciate any input on the subject.

On Sun, 2 Mar 2008 23:27:34 -0800 (PST), wrote:

I have a question about wood floors and possibly just wood in
general.

A few years ago I developed a weird allergy/sensitivity to being
around certain wood floor homes or establishments with lots of wood
fixtures.

I notice it most intensely when there is a sweet smell, kind of like
older wood or something (possibly mildew) The kind of smell I notice
in old churches or other old establishments. I also notice the issue
when there is a strong natural wood smell like in a cabin or
something.

I'm wondering if anyone could tell me what this could possibly be
causing the sweet smelling odor and if wood is giving off a strong
natural wood smell in a home is it possible to lock it in with a type
of finish.

I think I'm currently dealing with a mixture of both odors in the
apartment I just moved into. I'm thinking of laying some kind of
finish on the floor to possibly lock in the wood smell and getting a
air purifier that gets mold out of the air (considering the problems
are what I'm assuming they are).

I appreciate any input on the subject.


This sounds more like a dust/mold allergy than anything else. Shellac
is a good wood sealer/finish. For sealing a floor polyurethane is a
better choice. A doctor that specializes in allergies may be able to
help you.

On Sun, 2 Mar 2008 23:27:34 -0800 (PST), wrote:

I have a question about wood floors and possibly just wood in
general.

A few years ago I developed a weird allergy/sensitivity to being
around certain wood floor homes or establishments with lots of wood
fixtures.

I notice it most intensely when there is a sweet smell, kind of like
older wood or something (possibly mildew) The kind of smell I notice
in old churches or other old establishments. I also notice the issue
when there is a strong natural wood smell like in a cabin or
something.

I'm wondering if anyone could tell me what this could possibly be
causing the sweet smelling odor and if wood is giving off a strong
natural wood smell in a home is it possible to lock it in with a type
of finish.

I think I'm currently dealing with a mixture of both odors in the
apartment I just moved into. I'm thinking of laying some kind of
finish on the floor to possibly lock in the wood smell and getting a
air purifier that gets mold out of the air (considering the problems
are what I'm assuming they are).

I appreciate any input on the subject.


The first things I would do in your shoes is to contact a company that does
air quality analysis. They will measure the space in your apartment for
such things as mold spores, etc. You're guessing at everything right now,
and you're considering sealing floors based on guess work. Not a very good
approach. The other thing I'd do - even if an analysis shows wood related
mold spores, is to contact the landlord before applying any sealants to his
property. You don't have any rights as a tenant to just start sealing
floors without approval.

--

-Mike-