Sick from fumes from new furnace

lsheldon

We had a new furnace installed yesterday. When the insallers first turned it on, smoke filled the house and my smoke alarm went off upstairs. I raced to the basement to see what the problem was. They said that there is an oil coating placed on the furnace when it is in the warehouse to protect it from rust. When the furnace first fires, it burns off this coating.

But I became sick from these fumes. I thought I was having carbon monoxide poisoning, except that the carbon monoxide alarm never sounded. I asked my installer if the smell was normal and he said that it was. My symptoms are: light-headedness, dizziness, nausea and retching, burning eyes, headache, and an acrid taste in my mouth.

Has anyone else had this experience, and if so, how long does it last? Thank you for your help. (and yes, I've aired out the house and left some windows cracked.)

acefurnacefixer

Your illness is NOT from the furnace, in 22 years I have never seen anyone have such a reaction to the heat ex smoke.............it is common on all brands to do that when they are first fired up. Some smoke more then others.

lsheldon

Thanks for responding. The illness is definitely the result of the smoke burn-off. I'm incredibly sensitive to smoke of any kind. If a neighbor down the street is burnig their wood stove and I catch a whiff of it, I'll start coughing and tearing up. A perscription for Allegra seems to be helping.

This smoke filled my entire house and the reaction was immediate. I was wondering how long it normally takes to dissipate the smoke.

acefurnacefixer

Within minutes............

#CARRIERMAN

Hi Isheldon

It sounds like you have allergy problems. I am also an allergy suferrer. I find myself allergic to ciggarette smoke almost like you described. My Doctor told me if the allergic reactions got worse I would need to consider taking the allergy shots. When you are this allergic you could have a bad reaction. Might want to let your Doctor know this the next time you see him or her.

Rusty

lsheldon

Thanks, Carrierman. It seems as though my illness was being scoffed at by another member. As you know, allergies are not trivial. I will take your advice and mention this episode to my doctor the next time I see her. Best luck to you, too. And a Happy New Year!