Hi Everyone: I have recently moved into an apartment in Windsor, Ontario ( moved here to find help for Sarc ) I have a very big problem with what is happening with the use of chemicals in our building. When I rented my apartment I tried to explain to the manager how important it was to be free of Chemical smells. When I informed her of the Sarcoid, Of course I was asked how do you spell that, anyway I rented the apartment with her personal guarantee that taking the apartment next to The Garbage Chute there would be absolutely no smell. It is so terrible I don't know what to do, we moved in and cannot afford at this time to move to another apartment, I haved asked them and tried to explain to them how important it was for my breathing, anyway they refuse to change us to another apartment. I am getting sicker everyday from the odor, which they claim there is none. The spokesperson for the building came up and we had a discussion and he acted like I was telling lies (the old story, but you don't look sick). I am 71 years old and unable to walk any distance, I have a scooter and a wheel chair which I use most of the time and feel very blessed when I am able to get out and about in them. I still drive, for how much longer I am not sure but think positive and hope it will be for a long time to come. I know it is going to end up in court and I am not healthy enough to go thru this, and the people here in this apartment building knows it and is taking advantage of my condition. I don't know if anyone out there is able to help me with this matter with ideas or what ever. Every week-end around midnight they put something into the chute on the 7th floor which is attached to our apartment it is so terrible that one night I had to sleep in my car. My lungs burn can't breathe, eyes burn and I get a severe headache, my sister is 82 years old and looks like 60, but since we are here she is ageing rapidly sick with headaches and an irreguler heart beat from the odor. I am hoping that they will do the decent thing and just give us another apartment, but to-day they said no again, the reason we don't qualify haha. So if anyone has any idea what I can do to make this person understand the importance of this matter please let me know. God Bless Christina5 I did forget to mention, the first week I moved in here I had company and they had to leave because of burning eyes and headaches.
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Use of Chemicals in an Apartment building
- By Christina5
- Posted September 17, 2009 at 1:50 am · 9 replies
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- By gonenatural
- Posted September 17, 2009 at 9:09 am
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I am so sorry you are going through this. I don't know who you call where you live. It does sound like a court case to me too. Keep going to drs, both of you, to make sure you are ok and if not you will have it documented.
Sorry I couldn't be more help. I hope someone comes along that knows more
gn
- By RWV
- Posted September 17, 2009 at 9:53 pm
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Christina5,
Are there any reporters or TV newspeople in your area who specialize in consumer advocacy? Or senior advocacy? Where I live, (Midwestern U.S.) some of them will investigate and publicize a complaint, basically shaming the "evildoers" into doing the right thing. It might be worth a try.
- By joyfulpatty
- Posted September 18, 2009 at 1:20 pm
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Hi Christina......it sounds like a difficult situation for you.
I would first notify your local public health department and get suggestions from them. As mentioned above, I am sure there is a senior advocacy program near you. Are you in a senior housing building? If so, get yourself a good lawyer and I hope you have it documented that you were promised an apartment without any odors. Good luck.
- By Christina5
- Posted September 20, 2009 at 6:49 am
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Hi Joyfulpatty: Thank you for your concern, I am going to my lung specialist on Tuesday, Hopefully she will have some ideas. God Bless
- By Christina5
- Posted September 20, 2009 at 7:01 am
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Hi Gonenatural & RWV: Thanks for your concern, yes this week I will be seeing a lawyer and getting letters from everyone I can, Also I will try and get the Media involved in it as well. Thanks Christina5
- By Angelfox
- Posted September 20, 2009 at 5:49 pm
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I, too, wonder about contacting your local health department....they should be made aware of this.
I also liked the idea of getting the TV or newspaper involved....a lot of time they can get things done.
God bless!
Judy
- By rabidsarcoid
- Posted September 20, 2009 at 9:05 pm
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it may be futile but I'd at least check with the health department and social services. A fan blowing outward at the front door may help as well as a window fan to draw in fresh air. MOVING AIR MAY BOTHER YOUR SARC so be careful. the air movement helps my breathing by displacing the co2 with room air as my lung capacity is approx 30%
- By glowgirl
- Posted September 21, 2009 at 8:24 pm
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Here in the US, they have a dept that investigates elder abuse. Don't know if you have Medicare or anything like that, but the Medicare Ombudsman might want to know about that as well. They are good advocates as well. I do think that media exposure is something that apt management company won't want to deal with, but alert them that you are not unwilling to go that far.
Best of luck to you in this uphill battle.
Glowgirl
- By ANGELGIRL1970
- Posted October 1, 2009 at 9:07 pm
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Good Night Christina:
I have read all the responses and absolutely agree with everyone of them. I am your neighbour. I live in Mississauga, Ontario. I think you should contact Silverman Help from CP24 news, that's if he is still around. As mentioned there are senior advocacy groups that can assist in situations like yours.
I also have sarcoidosis, as well as environmental allergies, and i am affected by certains smells and dust particles in the air.
Christina, i can perhaps look for agencies that can assist you with this if you find that you are not getting the assistance that you need. I will do so and somehow connect with you on this site again within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Stay strong and hopefully the lawyer or should you contact the news media, they can assist you in your time of need.
Talk to you soon.
Help and information from FSR
Sarcoidosis is a "multiorgan" disease - meaning it almost always involves more than one organ. It's unpredictable and affects different people in different ways.
You can learn about the ways in which sarcoidosis affects the body in FSR's Sarcoidosis and the Body brochure.
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