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#1
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Problem with cigarette smoke
I write in hope of some serious answers. I know this general issue has
come up before, and wading through the incredulous and the trolls doing a search yields nothing that seems likely to work. Maybe there is nothing; if not, so be it. We just moved into our new home after over 7 months of renovations. The problem is cigarette smoke from one of our neighbors. This is an attached house, with a party wall (concrete). (attached on the other side too, separate construction, not a problem. When the walls were open, I was not aware of any plumbing coming directly from the smoking neighbor. There are cabinets mounted in our kitchen on the party wall. Holes were cut in the cabinet backs to accommodate some drainage and steam pipes (ours), and there is an opening around our plumbing which we will seal off. We don't know what might be the best way to do this, and I have no idea if it will work (though the cigarette smoke is strongest in these cabinets. This does appear to be coming through the walls--somehow, and not through vents to the outside. This is old construction (c. 1940). There is no question that there is cigarette smoke. It's not nearly as big a problem for me (my sense of smell was never the same since organic chemistry), but my wife is very upset. I'm quite sure I have no legal recourse, and in any case wouldn't expect my neighbor to modify his smoking on my behalf. Really just interested to know if anyone has dealt with some mechanical means of dealing with this problem that was effective. TIA, Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 |
#2
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On 3/6/2012 9:08 AM, Steven Bornfeld wrote:
I write in hope of some serious answers. I know this general issue has come up before, and wading through the incredulous and the trolls doing a search yields nothing that seems likely to work. Maybe there is nothing; if not, so be it. We just moved into our new home after over 7 months of renovations. The problem is cigarette smoke from one of our neighbors. This is an attached house, with a party wall (concrete). (attached on the other side too, separate construction, not a problem. When the walls were open, I was not aware of any plumbing coming directly from the smoking neighbor. There are cabinets mounted in our kitchen on the party wall. Holes were cut in the cabinet backs to accommodate some drainage and steam pipes (ours), and there is an opening around our plumbing which we will seal off. We don't know what might be the best way to do this, and I have no idea if it will work (though the cigarette smoke is strongest in these cabinets. This does appear to be coming through the walls--somehow, and not through vents to the outside. This is old construction (c. 1940). There is no question that there is cigarette smoke. It's not nearly as big a problem for me (my sense of smell was never the same since organic chemistry), but my wife is very upset. I'm quite sure I have no legal recourse, and in any case wouldn't expect my neighbor to modify his smoking on my behalf. Really just interested to know if anyone has dealt with some mechanical means of dealing with this problem that was effective. TIA, Steve You haven't discussed the roof of the building and whether there is an attic. And if so, is the common wall also closing off your attic from the neighbor's attic? Do you have a vent fan that only vents to the attic? Use cans of spray foam to seal up the pipes. Does your neighbor's kitchen share your wall? IS the "concrete" wall actually concrete block? Is the concrete wall painted? A heavy coat of paint will seal any cracks and voids in the concrete. A poured wall in the 1940's may well have voids where the concrete was hand mixed and then poured into the forms. The interface between pours was not well mixed. We had a house built in 1948 with a hand mixed and poured concrete basement. Walls clearly showed lack of mixing and let water leak in. Paul |
#3
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On 3/6/2012 1:00 PM, Paul Drahn wrote:
You haven't discussed the roof of the building and whether there is an attic. And if so, is the common wall also closing off your attic from the neighbor's attic? Do you have a vent fan that only vents to the attic? There is no attic. It's a flat rubber roof. All vents are through the roof, except the laundry which vents to the back brick wall. Use cans of spray foam to seal up the pipes. We plan to do that (though our contractor seems to think it will take too many cans--I think he suggested fiberglass insulation, though I'm sure foam (is it polystyrene?) would seal far better. Does your neighbor's kitchen share your wall? I don't know. A few weeks ago my wife complained of a fishy smell, so we may--and cooking odors may be a problem too. But the primary problem is the cigarette smoke. IS the "concrete" wall actually concrete block? Is the concrete wall painted? A heavy coat of paint will seal any cracks and voids in the concrete. A poured wall in the 1940's may well have voids where the concrete was hand mixed and then poured into the forms. The interface between pours was not well mixed. We had a house built in 1948 with a hand mixed and poured concrete basement. Walls clearly showed lack of mixing and let water leak in. Paul I have no idea. When the wall was open, I saw no indication that it was concrete block, so I'm guessing it was poured concrete. Wow, I didn't know they were still hand mixing concrete by the 1940s. We don't seem to have any problems with external leaks (some of the internal plumbing leaked and had to be changed. Thanks, Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 |
#4
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Problem with cigarette smoke
Since your problem is with vapors, you may get results with vapor barrier
foam board, or sheet fiberglass. But, the vapor barrier is what's needed. I've done a bunch of sheet metal work, so I'd be thinking sheet metal cut to shape, and stuck on with silicone caulk. You may be able to get the same result with sheet plastic, and easier to cut. Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "Steven Bornfeld" wrote in message ... We plan to do that (though our contractor seems to think it will take too many cans--I think he suggested fiberglass insulation, though I'm sure foam (is it polystyrene?) would seal far better. |
#5
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On 3/6/2012 3:01 PM, Stormin Mormon wrote:
Since your problem is with vapors, you may get results with vapor barrier foam board, or sheet fiberglass. But, the vapor barrier is what's needed. I've done a bunch of sheet metal work, so I'd be thinking sheet metal cut to shape, and stuck on with silicone caulk. You may be able to get the same result with sheet plastic, and easier to cut. Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org . "Steven wrote in message ... We plan to do that (though our contractor seems to think it will take too many cans--I think he suggested fiberglass insulation, though I'm sure foam (is it polystyrene?) would seal far better. I'm hoping not to have to re-open the wall, but I may have to. Have to check the bank account. :-( Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 |
#6
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Problem with cigarette smoke
Before doing anythign major, like a dermal abrasion on your wall. Please
have a HVAC guy (or do it yourself) have a look at the ducts. You may have arterial or venous shunt, which is mixing air with the othe side. Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "Steven Bornfeld" wrote in message ... I'm hoping not to have to re-open the wall, but I may have to. Have to check the bank account. :-( Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 |
#7
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On Mar 6, 12:05*pm, Steven Bornfeld
wrote: On 3/6/2012 1:00 PM, Paul Drahn wrote: You haven't discussed the roof of the building and whether there is an attic. And if so, is the common wall also closing off your attic from the neighbor's attic? Do you have a vent fan that only vents to the attic? * * * * There is no attic. *It's a flat rubber roof. *All vents are through the roof, except the laundry which vents to the back brick wall. Use cans of spray foam to seal up the pipes. * * * * We plan to do that (though our contractor seems to think it will take too many cans--I think he suggested fiberglass insulation, though I'm sure foam (is it polystyrene?) would seal far better. Does your neighbor's kitchen share your wall? * * * * I don't know. *A few weeks ago my wife complained of a fishy smell, so we may--and cooking odors may be a problem too. *But the primary problem is the cigarette smoke. IS the "concrete" wall actually concrete block? Is the concrete wall painted? A heavy coat of paint will seal any cracks and voids in the concrete. A poured wall in the 1940's may well have voids where the concrete was hand mixed and then poured into the forms. The interface between pours was not well mixed. We had a house built in 1948 with a hand mixed and poured concrete basement. Walls clearly showed lack of mixing and let water leak in. Paul I have no idea. *When the wall was open, I saw no indication that it was concrete block, so I'm guessing it was poured concrete. *Wow, I didn't know they were still hand mixing concrete by the 1940s. *We don't seem to have any problems with external leaks (some of the internal plumbing leaked and had to be changed. Thanks, Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDShttp://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 febreze to get rid of existing smell we have successfully used bleach wiped on the non-porous surfaces and gently sprayed on the porous ones. positive air pressure electronic air cleaner seal between buildings prognosis is not good. we live in rural area with a density of 1 hm per several acres. 650 feet sw of us is obviously a heavy smoker. when the wind shifts, swear it smells like being in a pool hall. no mitigation for that at all. olfactory is sensitive to parts per billion. found that inhaling a bit of antihistamine helps. As with any allergy [like smelling cigarette smoke]; once triggered stays for a long time, must then get exposure way down below level for a long time to 'reset' sensitivity. |
#8
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On 3/6/2012 4:33 PM, Robert Macy wrote:
On Mar 6, 12:05 pm, Steven wrote: On 3/6/2012 1:00 PM, Paul Drahn wrote: You haven't discussed the roof of the building and whether there is an attic. And if so, is the common wall also closing off your attic from the neighbor's attic? Do you have a vent fan that only vents to the attic? There is no attic. It's a flat rubber roof. All vents are through the roof, except the laundry which vents to the back brick wall. Use cans of spray foam to seal up the pipes. We plan to do that (though our contractor seems to think it will take too many cans--I think he suggested fiberglass insulation, though I'm sure foam (is it polystyrene?) would seal far better. Does your neighbor's kitchen share your wall? I don't know. A few weeks ago my wife complained of a fishy smell, so we may--and cooking odors may be a problem too. But the primary problem is the cigarette smoke. IS the "concrete" wall actually concrete block? Is the concrete wall painted? A heavy coat of paint will seal any cracks and voids in the concrete. A poured wall in the 1940's may well have voids where the concrete was hand mixed and then poured into the forms. The interface between pours was not well mixed. We had a house built in 1948 with a hand mixed and poured concrete basement. Walls clearly showed lack of mixing and let water leak in. Paul I have no idea. When the wall was open, I saw no indication that it was concrete block, so I'm guessing it was poured concrete. Wow, I didn't know they were still hand mixing concrete by the 1940s. We don't seem to have any problems with external leaks (some of the internal plumbing leaked and had to be changed. Thanks, Steve -- Mark& Steven Bornfeld DDShttp://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 febreze to get rid of existing smell we have successfully used bleach wiped on the non-porous surfaces and gently sprayed on the porous ones. positive air pressure electronic air cleaner seal between buildings prognosis is not good. we live in rural area with a density of 1 hm per several acres. 650 feet sw of us is obviously a heavy smoker. when the wind shifts, swear it smells like being in a pool hall. no mitigation for that at all. olfactory is sensitive to parts per billion. found that inhaling a bit of antihistamine helps. As with any allergy [like smelling cigarette smoke]; once triggered stays for a long time, must then get exposure way down below level for a long time to 'reset' sensitivity. Maybe it's true for my wife. My sense of smell fatigues rather quickly, and if it were just me I could live with it. But I don't think I can live with the wife...and the smell at the same time. Thanks, Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 |
#9
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Problem with cigarette smoke
May be an allergy, on her part. I know it is, for me.
Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "Steven Bornfeld" wrote in message ... As with any allergy [like smelling cigarette smoke]; once triggered stays for a long time, must then get exposure way down below level for a long time to 'reset' sensitivity. Maybe it's true for my wife. My sense of smell fatigues rather quickly, and if it were just me I could live with it. But I don't think I can live with the wife...and the smell at the same time. Thanks, Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 |
#10
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On 3/6/2012 3:33 PM, Robert Macy wrote:
On Mar 6, 12:05 pm, Steven wrote: On 3/6/2012 1:00 PM, Paul Drahn wrote: You haven't discussed the roof of the building and whether there is an attic. And if so, is the common wall also closing off your attic from the neighbor's attic? Do you have a vent fan that only vents to the attic? There is no attic. It's a flat rubber roof. All vents are through the roof, except the laundry which vents to the back brick wall. Use cans of spray foam to seal up the pipes. We plan to do that (though our contractor seems to think it will take too many cans--I think he suggested fiberglass insulation, though I'm sure foam (is it polystyrene?) would seal far better. Does your neighbor's kitchen share your wall? I don't know. A few weeks ago my wife complained of a fishy smell, so we may--and cooking odors may be a problem too. But the primary problem is the cigarette smoke. IS the "concrete" wall actually concrete block? Is the concrete wall painted? A heavy coat of paint will seal any cracks and voids in the concrete. A poured wall in the 1940's may well have voids where the concrete was hand mixed and then poured into the forms. The interface between pours was not well mixed. We had a house built in 1948 with a hand mixed and poured concrete basement. Walls clearly showed lack of mixing and let water leak in. Paul I have no idea. When the wall was open, I saw no indication that it was concrete block, so I'm guessing it was poured concrete. Wow, I didn't know they were still hand mixing concrete by the 1940s. We don't seem to have any problems with external leaks (some of the internal plumbing leaked and had to be changed. Thanks, Steve -- Mark& Steven Bornfeld DDShttp://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 febreze to get rid of existing smell we have successfully used bleach wiped on the non-porous surfaces and gently sprayed on the porous ones. positive air pressure electronic air cleaner seal between buildings prognosis is not good. we live in rural area with a density of 1 hm per several acres. 650 feet sw of us is obviously a heavy smoker. when the wind shifts, swear it smells like being in a pool hall. no mitigation for that at all. olfactory is sensitive to parts per billion. found that inhaling a bit of antihistamine helps. As with any allergy [like smelling cigarette smoke]; once triggered stays for a long time, must then get exposure way down below level for a long time to 'reset' sensitivity. I'm deathly allergic to tobacco smoke and most people refuse to believe that I can tell if the car in front of me on the freeway contains a smoker. That poison is like pepper spray to me. What kind of an idiot purposely inhales the byproducts of combustion? o_O TDD |
#11
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Problem with cigarette smoke
You start em young, and use a high pressure advertising campaign before
their brains harden and set in their ways. My favorite irony is a fireman, coming out of a smoky burning building. Takes off the air pack and lights one. Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "The Daring Dufas" wrote in message ... I'm deathly allergic to tobacco smoke and most people refuse to believe that I can tell if the car in front of me on the freeway contains a smoker. That poison is like pepper spray to me. What kind of an idiot purposely inhales the byproducts of combustion? o_O TDD |
#12
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On 3/6/2012 10:54 PM, The Daring Dufas wrote:
On 3/6/2012 3:33 PM, Robert Macy wrote: On Mar 6, 12:05 pm, Steven wrote: On 3/6/2012 1:00 PM, Paul Drahn wrote: You haven't discussed the roof of the building and whether there is an attic. And if so, is the common wall also closing off your attic from the neighbor's attic? Do you have a vent fan that only vents to the attic? There is no attic. It's a flat rubber roof. All vents are through the roof, except the laundry which vents to the back brick wall. Use cans of spray foam to seal up the pipes. We plan to do that (though our contractor seems to think it will take too many cans--I think he suggested fiberglass insulation, though I'm sure foam (is it polystyrene?) would seal far better. Does your neighbor's kitchen share your wall? I don't know. A few weeks ago my wife complained of a fishy smell, so we may--and cooking odors may be a problem too. But the primary problem is the cigarette smoke. IS the "concrete" wall actually concrete block? Is the concrete wall painted? A heavy coat of paint will seal any cracks and voids in the concrete. A poured wall in the 1940's may well have voids where the concrete was hand mixed and then poured into the forms. The interface between pours was not well mixed. We had a house built in 1948 with a hand mixed and poured concrete basement. Walls clearly showed lack of mixing and let water leak in. Paul I have no idea. When the wall was open, I saw no indication that it was concrete block, so I'm guessing it was poured concrete. Wow, I didn't know they were still hand mixing concrete by the 1940s. We don't seem to have any problems with external leaks (some of the internal plumbing leaked and had to be changed. Thanks, Steve -- Mark& Steven Bornfeld DDShttp://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 febreze to get rid of existing smell we have successfully used bleach wiped on the non-porous surfaces and gently sprayed on the porous ones. positive air pressure electronic air cleaner seal between buildings prognosis is not good. we live in rural area with a density of 1 hm per several acres. 650 feet sw of us is obviously a heavy smoker. when the wind shifts, swear it smells like being in a pool hall. no mitigation for that at all. olfactory is sensitive to parts per billion. found that inhaling a bit of antihistamine helps. As with any allergy [like smelling cigarette smoke]; once triggered stays for a long time, must then get exposure way down below level for a long time to 'reset' sensitivity. I'm deathly allergic to tobacco smoke and most people refuse to believe that I can tell if the car in front of me on the freeway contains a smoker. That poison is like pepper spray to me. What kind of an idiot purposely inhales the byproducts of combustion? o_O TDD You do, if you drive a car ;o) |
#13
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On Mar 6, 10:54*pm, The Daring Dufas
wrote: I'm deathly allergic to tobacco smoke and most people refuse to believe that I can tell if the car in front of me on the freeway contains a smoker. That poison is like pepper spray to me. What kind of an idiot purposely inhales the byproducts of combustion? o_O TDD I never heard of anybody dying from an allergy to cigarette smoke. I couldn't find any link to that info. Got a link? Hank |
#14
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On 3/6/2012 9:08 AM, Steven Bornfeld wrote:
I write in hope of some serious answers. I know this general issue has come up before, and wading through the incredulous and the trolls doing a search yields nothing that seems likely to work. Maybe there is nothing; if not, so be it. We just moved into our new home after over 7 months of renovations. The problem is cigarette smoke from one of our neighbors. This is an attached house, with a party wall (concrete). (attached on the other side too, separate construction, not a problem. When the walls were open, I was not aware of any plumbing coming directly from the smoking neighbor. There are cabinets mounted in our kitchen on the party wall. Holes were cut in the cabinet backs to accommodate some drainage and steam pipes (ours), and there is an opening around our plumbing which we will seal off. We don't know what might be the best way to do this, and I have no idea if it will work (though the cigarette smoke is strongest in these cabinets. This does appear to be coming through the walls--somehow, and not through vents to the outside. This is old construction (c. 1940). There is no question that there is cigarette smoke. It's not nearly as big a problem for me (my sense of smell was never the same since organic chemistry), but my wife is very upset. I'm quite sure I have no legal recourse, and in any case wouldn't expect my neighbor to modify his smoking on my behalf. Really just interested to know if anyone has dealt with some mechanical means of dealing with this problem that was effective. TIA, cut To start with, produce some positive pressure in your home, to stop the polluted air from coming into the house. A ventilator sucking outside air would do that. |
#15
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Problem with cigarette smoke
Excellent idea! Keep em coming.
Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "Sjouke Burry" s@b wrote in message 2.10... To start with, produce some positive pressure in your home, to stop the polluted air from coming into the house. A ventilator sucking outside air would do that. |
#16
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On 3/6/2012 2:11 PM, Sjouke Burry wrote:
On 3/6/2012 9:08 AM, Steven Bornfeld wrote: I write in hope of some serious answers. I know this general issue has come up before, and wading through the incredulous and the trolls doing a search yields nothing that seems likely to work. Maybe there is nothing; if not, so be it. We just moved into our new home after over 7 months of renovations. The problem is cigarette smoke from one of our neighbors. This is an attached house, with a party wall (concrete). (attached on the other side too, separate construction, not a problem. When the walls were open, I was not aware of any plumbing coming directly from the smoking neighbor. There are cabinets mounted in our kitchen on the party wall. Holes were cut in the cabinet backs to accommodate some drainage and steam pipes (ours), and there is an opening around our plumbing which we will seal off. We don't know what might be the best way to do this, and I have no idea if it will work (though the cigarette smoke is strongest in these cabinets. This does appear to be coming through the walls--somehow, and not through vents to the outside. This is old construction (c. 1940). There is no question that there is cigarette smoke. It's not nearly as big a problem for me (my sense of smell was never the same since organic chemistry), but my wife is very upset. I'm quite sure I have no legal recourse, and in any case wouldn't expect my neighbor to modify his smoking on my behalf. Really just interested to know if anyone has dealt with some mechanical means of dealing with this problem that was effective. TIA, cut To start with, produce some positive pressure in your home, to stop the polluted air from coming into the house. A ventilator sucking outside air would do that. Several people have mentioned this, and it makes sense. Especially given the (non) winter we've had here. Thanks, Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 |
#17
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On 3/6/2012 5:25 PM, Steven Bornfeld wrote:
On 3/6/2012 2:11 PM, Sjouke Burry wrote: On 3/6/2012 9:08 AM, Steven Bornfeld wrote: I write in hope of some serious answers. I know this general issue has come up before, and wading through the incredulous and the trolls doing a search yields nothing that seems likely to work. Maybe there is nothing; if not, so be it. We just moved into our new home after over 7 months of renovations. The problem is cigarette smoke from one of our neighbors. This is an attached house, with a party wall (concrete). (attached on the other side too, separate construction, not a problem. When the walls were open, I was not aware of any plumbing coming directly from the smoking neighbor. There are cabinets mounted in our kitchen on the party wall. Holes were cut in the cabinet backs to accommodate some drainage and steam pipes (ours), and there is an opening around our plumbing which we will seal off. We don't know what might be the best way to do this, and I have no idea if it will work (though the cigarette smoke is strongest in these cabinets. This does appear to be coming through the walls--somehow, and not through vents to the outside. This is old construction (c. 1940). There is no question that there is cigarette smoke. It's not nearly as big a problem for me (my sense of smell was never the same since organic chemistry), but my wife is very upset. I'm quite sure I have no legal recourse, and in any case wouldn't expect my neighbor to modify his smoking on my behalf. Really just interested to know if anyone has dealt with some mechanical means of dealing with this problem that was effective. TIA, cut To start with, produce some positive pressure in your home, to stop the polluted air from coming into the house. A ventilator sucking outside air would do that. Several people have mentioned this, and it makes sense. Especially given the (non) winter we've had here. Thanks, Steve One simple measure that comes to mind is weatherstripping around doors...are entrances close to each other, such that your exhaust fan could pull air from their residence that way? |
#18
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On Mar 6, 9:11*pm, Norminn wrote:
On 3/6/2012 5:25 PM, Steven Bornfeld wrote: On 3/6/2012 2:11 PM, Sjouke Burry wrote: On 3/6/2012 9:08 AM, Steven Bornfeld wrote: I write in hope of some serious answers. I know this general issue has come up before, and wading through the incredulous and the trolls doing a search yields nothing that seems likely to work. Maybe there is nothing; if not, so be it. We just moved into our new home after over 7 months of renovations. The problem is cigarette smoke from one of our neighbors. This is an attached house, with a party wall (concrete). (attached on the other side too, separate construction, not a problem. When the walls were open, I was not aware of any plumbing coming directly from the smoking neighbor. There are cabinets mounted in our kitchen on the party wall. Holes were cut in the cabinet backs to accommodate some drainage and steam pipes (ours), and there is an opening around our plumbing which we will seal off. We don't know what might be the best way to do this, and I have no idea if it will work (though the cigarette smoke is strongest in these cabinets. This does appear to be coming through the walls--somehow, and not through vents to the outside. This is old construction (c. 1940). There is no question that there is cigarette smoke. It's not nearly as big a problem for me (my sense of smell was never the same since organic chemistry), but my wife is very upset. I'm quite sure I have no legal recourse, and in any case wouldn't expect my neighbor to modify his smoking on my behalf. Really just interested to know if anyone has dealt with some mechanical means of dealing with this problem that was effective. TIA, cut To start with, produce some positive pressure in your home, to stop the polluted air from coming into the house. A ventilator sucking outside air would do that. Several people have mentioned this, and it makes sense. Especially given the (non) winter we've had here. Thanks, Steve One simple measure that comes to mind is weatherstripping around doors...are entrances close to each other, such that your exhaust fan could pull air from their residence that way? Probably best to open the common wall inspect for holes which could provide a fire path, and spray foam everything with closed cell foam. this would cut your heating bills too. R6.4 per inch |
#19
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On 3/6/2012 9:11 PM, Norminn wrote:
On 3/6/2012 5:25 PM, Steven Bornfeld wrote: On 3/6/2012 2:11 PM, Sjouke Burry wrote: On 3/6/2012 9:08 AM, Steven Bornfeld wrote: I write in hope of some serious answers. I know this general issue has come up before, and wading through the incredulous and the trolls doing a search yields nothing that seems likely to work. Maybe there is nothing; if not, so be it. We just moved into our new home after over 7 months of renovations. The problem is cigarette smoke from one of our neighbors. This is an attached house, with a party wall (concrete). (attached on the other side too, separate construction, not a problem. When the walls were open, I was not aware of any plumbing coming directly from the smoking neighbor. There are cabinets mounted in our kitchen on the party wall. Holes were cut in the cabinet backs to accommodate some drainage and steam pipes (ours), and there is an opening around our plumbing which we will seal off. We don't know what might be the best way to do this, and I have no idea if it will work (though the cigarette smoke is strongest in these cabinets. This does appear to be coming through the walls--somehow, and not through vents to the outside. This is old construction (c. 1940). There is no question that there is cigarette smoke. It's not nearly as big a problem for me (my sense of smell was never the same since organic chemistry), but my wife is very upset. I'm quite sure I have no legal recourse, and in any case wouldn't expect my neighbor to modify his smoking on my behalf. Really just interested to know if anyone has dealt with some mechanical means of dealing with this problem that was effective. TIA, cut To start with, produce some positive pressure in your home, to stop the polluted air from coming into the house. A ventilator sucking outside air would do that. Several people have mentioned this, and it makes sense. Especially given the (non) winter we've had here. Thanks, Steve One simple measure that comes to mind is weatherstripping around doors...are entrances close to each other, such that your exhaust fan could pull air from their residence that way? Entrances ARE close to each other, and doors leading to the back yard are fairly close too. But I'm pretty sure it's not coming in that way, except through the walls--and as others have pointed out, running the exhaust fan (which we do very sparingly) could be creating a negative net pressure and encouraging leakage through the wall. But we haven't been using the exhaust fans much at all. Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 |
#20
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On Mar 6, 12:08*pm, Steven Bornfeld
wrote: I write in hope of some serious answers. *I know this general issue has come up before, and wading through the incredulous and the trolls doing a search yields nothing that seems likely to work. *Maybe there is nothing; if not, so be it. We just moved into our new home after over 7 months of renovations. *The problem is cigarette smoke from one of our neighbors. This is an attached house, with a party wall (concrete). *(attached on the other side too, separate construction, not a problem. When the walls were open, I was not aware of any plumbing coming directly from the smoking neighbor. *There are cabinets mounted in our kitchen on the party wall. *Holes were cut in the cabinet backs to accommodate some drainage and steam pipes (ours), and there is an opening around our plumbing which we will seal off. *We don't know what might be the best way to do this, and I have no idea if it will work (though the cigarette smoke is strongest in these cabinets. This does appear to be coming through the walls--somehow, and not through vents to the outside. *This is old construction (c. 1940). There is no question that there is cigarette smoke. *It's not nearly as big a problem for me (my sense of smell was never the same since organic chemistry), but my wife is very upset. I'm quite sure I have no legal recourse, and in any case wouldn't expect my neighbor to modify his smoking on my behalf. *Really just interested to know if anyone has dealt with some mechanical means of dealing with this problem that was effective. TIA, Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDShttp://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 I agree with Paul. Check the attic. Hopefully the wall extends past the roof line (fire stop). Other places to seal would be electrical outlets. If all else fails, positive pressure in your side will keep any odors, cool air, warm air and etc. from entering your space. This can be done with a small fan if located properly. The location of your house/apt in regards to wind direction and such will affect the performance, so placing the fan is critical. Holding something that smokes ( like a cigarette) around different places will help you determine where the odor is entering. Good luck and happy hunting. If all else fails, bring home some Nitrous Oxide and have her take a few hits. LOL Hank |
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On 3/6/2012 1:25 PM, Hank wrote:
On Mar 6, 12:08 pm, Steven wrote: I write in hope of some serious answers. I know this general issue has come up before, and wading through the incredulous and the trolls doing a search yields nothing that seems likely to work. Maybe there is nothing; if not, so be it. We just moved into our new home after over 7 months of renovations. The problem is cigarette smoke from one of our neighbors. This is an attached house, with a party wall (concrete). (attached on the other side too, separate construction, not a problem. When the walls were open, I was not aware of any plumbing coming directly from the smoking neighbor. There are cabinets mounted in our kitchen on the party wall. Holes were cut in the cabinet backs to accommodate some drainage and steam pipes (ours), and there is an opening around our plumbing which we will seal off. We don't know what might be the best way to do this, and I have no idea if it will work (though the cigarette smoke is strongest in these cabinets. This does appear to be coming through the walls--somehow, and not through vents to the outside. This is old construction (c. 1940). There is no question that there is cigarette smoke. It's not nearly as big a problem for me (my sense of smell was never the same since organic chemistry), but my wife is very upset. I'm quite sure I have no legal recourse, and in any case wouldn't expect my neighbor to modify his smoking on my behalf. Really just interested to know if anyone has dealt with some mechanical means of dealing with this problem that was effective. TIA, Steve -- Mark& Steven Bornfeld DDShttp://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 I agree with Paul. Check the attic. Hopefully the wall extends past the roof line (fire stop). Other places to seal would be electrical outlets. If all else fails, positive pressure in your side will keep any odors, cool air, warm air and etc. from entering your space. This can be done with a small fan if located properly. The location of your house/apt in regards to wind direction and such will affect the performance, so placing the fan is critical. Holding something that smokes ( like a cigarette) around different places will help you determine where the odor is entering. Good luck and happy hunting. If all else fails, bring home some Nitrous Oxide and have her take a few hits. LOL Hank The outlets--that's something to try (though I wouldn't think that much air would pass through them. Nitrous might help. ;-) Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 |
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Problem with cigarette smoke
Hank, they are trying to keep the cig smoke out, not make their own!
I've seen electrical outlet "foams" for sale. I'd also still be looking for a way to make your side positive pressure. Perhaps a cold air intake for the return side of your furnace. Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "Steven Bornfeld" wrote in message ... On 3/6/2012 1:25 PM, Hank wrote: Holding something that smokes ( like a cigarette) around different places will help you determine where the odor is entering. The outlets--that's something to try (though I wouldn't think that much air would pass through them. Nitrous might help. ;-) Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 |
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On Mar 6, 3:03*pm, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote: Hank, they are trying to keep the cig smoke out, not make their own! I used that as an example. Anything that can produce a little smoke will find the problem. Another thought that was touched on by another poster is the range vent. When teh range vent is running, it creates a negative pressure, thereby POSSIBLY pulling air in thru the small cracks and openings from the wall. For a 100% sure fix................ buy a house and not a apt./ condo. :-) Hank |
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On 3/7/2012 5:08 AM, Hank wrote:
On Mar 6, 3:03 pm, "Stormin Mormon" wrote: Hank, they are trying to keep the cig smoke out, not make their own! I used that as an example. Anything that can produce a little smoke will find the problem. Another thought that was touched on by another poster is the range vent. When teh range vent is running, it creates a negative pressure, thereby POSSIBLY pulling air in thru the small cracks and openings from the wall. For a 100% sure fix................ buy a house and not a apt./ condo. :-) Hank Actually, it IS a house--in NYC, many houses are attached or semi-attached. Ironically, we moved from a condo apartment (we sometimes had problems with noise there, but not smoke). Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 |
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Problem with cigarette smoke
Steven Bornfeld wrote:
The outlets--that's something to try (though I wouldn't think that much air would pass through them. It doesn't take much, and if your wife is sensitized to it, she will notice an infinitesimal amount. Jon |
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Problem with cigarette smoke
Dear Dr. Bornfeld,
I've rather appreciated reading your posts on SMD. You are a polite gentleman. That said, I'm also allergic to tobacco. You and your wife had my compassion. As for sealing openings, cardboard and stapling might work, or plastic sheet and duct tape like the Homeland Security guys mention. There may be some way (reverse the bathroom vent fan so it blows in, instead of out?) to pressurize your apartment. Push clean air through the wall, instead of drawing smoke in. If you have exhaust fan, shut it off. Open a window, to allow fresh air in. Might want to see what your heating plant is. Maybe a HVAC person can put in a fresh air intake, on the return side of the HVAC. Draw fresh air in, and pressurize your side. Check also, see if your furnace is tied in with their vent system, your furnace may be drawing from their side of the building. Palliative measures may include ibuprophen, bezocaine, Ozium air spray, or Febreze air spray. Please let us know what works. Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "Steven Bornfeld" wrote in message ... I write in hope of some serious answers. I know this general issue has come up before, and wading through the incredulous and the trolls doing a search yields nothing that seems likely to work. Maybe there is nothing; if not, so be it. We just moved into our new home after over 7 months of renovations. The problem is cigarette smoke from one of our neighbors. This is an attached house, with a party wall (concrete). (attached on the other side too, separate construction, not a problem. When the walls were open, I was not aware of any plumbing coming directly from the smoking neighbor. There are cabinets mounted in our kitchen on the party wall. Holes were cut in the cabinet backs to accommodate some drainage and steam pipes (ours), and there is an opening around our plumbing which we will seal off. We don't know what might be the best way to do this, and I have no idea if it will work (though the cigarette smoke is strongest in these cabinets. This does appear to be coming through the walls--somehow, and not through vents to the outside. This is old construction (c. 1940). There is no question that there is cigarette smoke. It's not nearly as big a problem for me (my sense of smell was never the same since organic chemistry), but my wife is very upset. I'm quite sure I have no legal recourse, and in any case wouldn't expect my neighbor to modify his smoking on my behalf. Really just interested to know if anyone has dealt with some mechanical means of dealing with this problem that was effective. TIA, Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 |
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On 3/6/2012 1:29 PM, Stormin Mormon wrote:
Dear Dr. Bornfeld, I've rather appreciated reading your posts on SMD. You are a polite gentleman. That said, I'm also allergic to tobacco. You and your wife had my compassion. As for sealing openings, cardboard and stapling might work, or plastic sheet and duct tape like the Homeland Security guys mention. There may be some way (reverse the bathroom vent fan so it blows in, instead of out?) to pressurize your apartment. Push clean air through the wall, instead of drawing smoke in. If you have exhaust fan, shut it off. Open a window, to allow fresh air in. Might want to see what your heating plant is. Maybe a HVAC person can put in a fresh air intake, on the return side of the HVAC. Draw fresh air in, and pressurize your side. Check also, see if your furnace is tied in with their vent system, your furnace may be drawing from their side of the building. Palliative measures may include ibuprophen, bezocaine, Ozium air spray, or Febreze air spray. Please let us know what works. Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org . Chris-- Thanks--some of your suggestions sound useful (esp. if there is a way to really create a net positive pressure. My wife is way past the ibuprophen phase. Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 |
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Problem with cigarette smoke
Sorry to hear that. Ozium or Febreze may be palliative (one of the few
dental words I know, so I keep using it). I'd offer to come out and have a look, but I'm about six hours drive away. You can find someone cheaper and closer, I'm sure. Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "Steven Bornfeld" wrote in message ... Chris-- Thanks--some of your suggestions sound useful (esp. if there is a way to really create a net positive pressure. My wife is way past the ibuprophen phase. Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 |
#29
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On 3/6/2012 3:05 PM, Stormin Mormon wrote:
Sorry to hear that. Ozium or Febreze may be palliative (one of the few dental words I know, so I keep using it). I'd offer to come out and have a look, but I'm about six hours drive away. You can find someone cheaper and closer, I'm sure. Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org . "Steven wrote in message ... Chris-- Thanks--some of your suggestions sound useful (esp. if there is a way to really create a net positive pressure. My wife is way past the ibuprophen phase. Steve We have someone cheaper and closer. That may be part of the problem. Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 |
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Problem with cigarette smoke
Sometimes, cheaper isn't better. But, it does sound closer, which is also
important. Please keep us up to date. I hope this works out well, for both of you. Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "Steven Bornfeld" wrote in message ... We have someone cheaper and closer. That may be part of the problem. Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 |
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Problem with cigarette smoke
Have you tried OZONE shocking the room and cabinets?
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#32
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Problem with cigarette smoke
Interesting. Got a URL?
Years ago, I think it was Alpine Air. Someone I knew loaned me an ozone generator, which I ended up not buying. It was $500 for a little box with an ionizer. One of those may help clear the air. Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. wrote in message news:9509635.1036.1331062446305.JavaMail.geo-discussion-forums@vbcu2... Have you tried OZONE shocking the room and cabinets? |
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On 3/6/2012 2:34 PM, wrote:
Have you tried OZONE shocking the room and cabinets? Ozone can be pretty irritating. I looked at the Consumer Reports website--they specifically named a couple of ozone-generating air purifiers "not acceptable" based on ozone being an irritant, and potentially unsafe (though I think primarily a problem for people with pre-existing lung disease. Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 |
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Problem with cigarette smoke
Steven Bornfeld wrote in news:jj7tv2$8jg$4
@dont-email.me: On 3/6/2012 2:34 PM, wrote: Have you tried OZONE shocking the room and cabinets? Ozone can be pretty irritating. I looked at the Consumer Reports website--they specifically named a couple of ozone-generating air purifiers "not acceptable" based on ozone being an irritant, and potentially unsafe (though I think primarily a problem for people with pre-existing lung disease. Steve Ozone is a strong oxidant, and a gas. That's how it destroys odors, and also why it is an irritant, especially for the lungs. If your wifeis allergic to cigarette smoke, ozone might NOT be very good for her, unless the ozone is left to react with the smoke and then immediately exhausted. If I were you, I'd stay away from ozone. There are only 2 solutions apart from and in addition to identify how the cigarette smoke gets into YOUR house: 1. Overpressure insideyour hopuse using really fresh air 2. An activated carbon filter at the site of entry of the smoke. -- Best regards Han email address is invalid |
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Problem with cigarette smoke
On 3/7/2012 10:25 AM, Han wrote:
Steven wrote in news:jj7tv2$8jg$4 @dont-email.me: On 3/6/2012 2:34 PM, wrote: Have you tried OZONE shocking the room and cabinets? Ozone can be pretty irritating. I looked at the Consumer Reports website--they specifically named a couple of ozone-generating air purifiers "not acceptable" based on ozone being an irritant, and potentially unsafe (though I think primarily a problem for people with pre-existing lung disease. Steve Ozone is a strong oxidant, and a gas. That's how it destroys odors, and also why it is an irritant, especially for the lungs. If your wifeis allergic to cigarette smoke, ozone might NOT be very good for her, unless the ozone is left to react with the smoke and then immediately exhausted. If I were you, I'd stay away from ozone. There are only 2 solutions apart from and in addition to identify how the cigarette smoke gets into YOUR house: 1. Overpressure insideyour hopuse using really fresh air 2. An activated carbon filter at the site of entry of the smoke. Well, those will be tried. Certainly before we pull out the walls, floors and ceiling. ;-) Thanks, Steve -- Mark & Steven Bornfeld DDS http://www.dentaltwins.com Brooklyn, NY 718-258-5001 |
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Problem with cigarette smoke
Han wrote:
Ozone is a strong oxidant, and a gas. That's how it destroys odors, and also why it is an irritant, especially for the lungs. If your wifeis allergic to cigarette smoke, ozone might NOT be very good for her, unless the ozone is left to react with the smoke and then immediately exhausted. It's not necessary to exhaust ozone. It decomposes into plain oxygen in minutes. |
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Problem with cigarette smoke
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Problem with cigarette smoke
"HeyBub" wrote:
Han wrote: Ozone is a strong oxidant, and a gas. That's how it destroys odors, and also why it is an irritant, especially for the lungs. If your wifeis allergic to cigarette smoke, ozone might NOT be very good for her, unless the ozone is left to react with the smoke and then immediately exhausted. It's not necessary to exhaust ozone. It decomposes into plain oxygen in minutes. If you run a high output ozone machine for an hour, it's going to be more like one to two hours minimum before you can enter. Greg |
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Problem with cigarette smoke
Steven Bornfeld wrote:
On 3/6/2012 2:34 PM, wrote: Have you tried OZONE shocking the room and cabinets? Ozone can be pretty irritating. I looked at the Consumer Reports website--they specifically named a couple of ozone-generating air purifiers "not acceptable" based on ozone being an irritant, and potentially unsafe (though I think primarily a problem for people with pre-existing lung disease. Steve Shocking is done when vacant. You can let a room sit with ozone and it will cleanse itself. It dissipates quickly, but needs a final venting if not complete. I bought a nice unit, a box with fan and one hour timer for about $130 . I think you can rent them. Greg |
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Problem with cigarette smoke
Hee are some ideas:
Shared dryer vents? Shared Stove top cooking vents? Shared plumbing stack venting? unlikely but if there is one missing missing trap on one sink somewhere and the plumbing venting is shared then air may be able to travel... Chimney sharing? Light fixtures on the ceiling? check for air leaks, it's a stretch but worth a try. Somebody mentioned electrical outlets how about attic access doors??? silicone seal the cracks in the attic door access to stop airflow and if you ever need access back into the attic, it's easy to cut and reapply new sealant Something between the garages? Central vaccuum venting? or collection tank? Air moving between the floor joists? |
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