Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Clearing the Air: Epoxy Fumes















The air has cleared in the condo, and I've lit a candle. Yesterday, workers three stories below us were refinishing a concrete floor. They used etching acid, and epoxy paint that released toxic fumes. The job has been shut down, and an inspector from the code violation department should be here today. We opened all the windows and turned on fans.

The refinisher had been working with all the windows and doors closed, no respirator, no fans. The fumes poured into the building's ventilation vents, air and heat ducts. Last night, after the fumes had left our condo, and we had come back, we turned on the heat. More fumes. We turned off the heat, opened the door to the balcony, and slept wearing layers of sweaters, socks, and pajamas. It hasn't been this cold in Florida since the 1940s. I wore one of John's fleece tops. He also gave me a pair of his flannel pajama bottoms. I'm still wearing them--dark blue printed all over with pairs of bright red dice. Good luck to all today!

8 comments:

  1. That watercolor is still in the spiral book. Is it yours?

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  2. Yes, Bluedog, mine. The air is clear in my little painting.

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  3. Wonderful painting! Nice colors, and it makes me think on greece, portugal, the cote azur, and some time back in the 50ies. (when I was not born yet, anyway) beauteous!

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  4. I agree with Bluedog and smilla, the colours and freshness of your paint are such a contrast to the dreadful fumes you describe.

    Some how to me fumes go with heat, not with cold. It sounds as though you've had the worst of two worlds. I hope the air clears soon.

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  5. Thank you, all. Elizabeth, the air has cleared! We and our neighbors are on the case. I hope to be painting again tomorrow.

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  6. What a fresh, bold watercolour, Mim - no shadows lurking...

    I'm curious about your wee candle holder - specifically, the trio of creatures, joyful bearers of light.

    ?

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  7. So kind of you, Claire. I have a pair of those green candle holders, which I found at Sobe Thrifty in South Beach. Three little elephants. There are slight differences in the holders, so I believe they are hand-made. Four dollars for the pair, not a chip. Come to think of it, they're similar in color to the kelp in your dramatic photo.

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  8. I'm glad that everything turns to be alright, I think those workers are really irresponsible they must made some observation first and research before doing anything.

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