I want clean air! Can you help me?
By Amber
@AmbiePam (85531)
United States
July 30, 2007 10:59pm CST
Greetings!
As some of you may remember from an earlier discussion, I have a bit of trouble with the quality of air in my apartment. Management changes the filter once every other month, but I'm still having problems that have nothing to do with that. I know my carpet was brand new when I moved in. But the place reeks of smoke. I think somehow, the people above who smoke, are causing that smoke to come down to my place. My neighbor across the hall also smokes, and sometimes he does it right outside my door.
This smoke smell had increased my migraines, increased my problem with allergies, and also has caused several people to ask me with great concern if I smoke! Air purifiers (or whatever you call them, and I don't mean humidifiers) are super expensive! There is nothing I can do about my neighbors. They are within their rights. But is there any way I can fix this problem in an affordable manner? Opening windows are not an option, but I am up to hearing your ideas! : )
7 people like this
9 responses
@AmbiePam (85531)
• United States
1 Aug 07
I have Medicaid. It won't even cover the wig I wear (my hair began falling out several years ago due to illness and it is very noticeable now). So I don't think they would cover the air purifier. My parents and sister have talked about having a joint garage sale to try to come up with the money.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
1 Aug 07
It would appear to me AP, that you only have the two options: purchase an air purifier, or move to another location. If it is bothering you to this degree, I would think you'd go to whatever expence necessary in order to rectify the problem. I have problems where I live, but since I can't afford to move right now, I just have to grin and bear it.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85531)
• United States
1 Aug 07
That might appear to be the solution to you, but there are a couple problems with it. I am on disability and live in low income apartments. I cannot move because I am locked into a lease. I couldn't move anyway because I couldn't afford it. I cannot buy an air purifier because the cheapest I found at Walmart are 300 dollars. That is half of the amount of money I get a month. Every dime I have goes into paying the bills, there are never any extras.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
1 Aug 07
I did not mean any disrespect, AP, sorry if you took it that way. I am plagued with allergies myself and used to get migraines. It really sucks being poor, doesn't it?
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85531)
• United States
6 Aug 07
I literally don't have enough in my bank account to buy one now, but I haven't given up hope. So thanks for the tip. I always like to know if people are happy with the products before I buy one. I'll keep your recommendation in mind when I can afford one.
@whyaskq (7523)
• Singapore
31 Jul 07
It may be hard to get rid of the foul air. Air filters are what I wanted to suggest, an investment which I feel should be worthwhile despite the cost. It would cost more for medical fees in the long run :P
How about growing some flowers, plants or herbs to absorb the carbon dioxide? Or some air fresheners? Or maybe burn some incense or oils? Just brainstorming only. lol.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85531)
• United States
31 Jul 07
The maintenance man puts in new air filters every other month. Is this what you are speaking of? I also have tried air fresheners and incense. It works for a while, but then it easily goes away. Plus, too much air freshener brings on a migraine. I like the idea of flowers and plants. However, I have to have them up high so my dogs won't 'attack' them. I don't have the furniture to put them on right now, but I wonder how hard it would be to hang them from the ceiling? If there was a way to attach something without altering the ceiling, I would love to do that.
1 person likes this
@whyaskq (7523)
• Singapore
2 Aug 07
Oreocookie is right. I am referring to those machines that are supposed to absorb "rubbish" in the air and make the air fresh. It cost at least SGD 1K in Singapore.
As for the plants, perhaps those table plants? Or put them on tall stands... hope it doesn't get toppled over :P
1 person likes this
@filmbuff (2909)
• United States
3 Aug 07
You can *decent* air purrifiers starting about $100 and going up from there. Probably less if you get smaller ones. What I find odd here is that the problem is coming from upstairs apartment. Smoke tends to rise, before it settles. Unless the apartment building shares a central heading / air conditioning unit in which all the air from all the apartments are being recirculated amongst themselves which sounds like it would make a bit more sense.
I doubt that even air purrifiers will make much difference and you'll find that the cost of replacing the filters alone will probably bankrupt you.
You'll probably have to move to fix this problem.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85531)
• United States
3 Aug 07
Like I mentioned earlier, they change the air filters every other month in every apartment. Also, I cannot move. I'm on disability and I signed a lease. I have to be here for at least 6 more months. And it isn't just my neighbors above, but also the one next door. I have no real proof where the smoke smell is coming from. I cannot see the smoke, I smell the smoke.
1 person likes this
@theknight7 (95)
• South Korea
1 Aug 07
Sorry about the problem, I know is not easy for you to move to another apartment, but what I think you need an air purifier, that will help reduce the risk of the smoke. I don't know how much it will cost you in your country, but if you are willing I can help get you one here at a cheap rate. Another option is to move to another place if possible, life first!
Take care.
@salam1 (1474)
• Malaysia
31 Jul 07
move to another place/house/apartment. is this an option? before you move you can ask your potential neighbour whether they have this kind of 'smoke problem' or not. Maybe my suggestion is not an option for you. I hope then you will find a solution!
@SoccerMom07 (17)
• United States
31 Jul 07
The air purfiers are expensive...my ex husband used to sell them for a living...But to be honest they are a great investment if they keep your migraines and allergies down.
You could use fabreeze or candles, but that is only masking the problem. Look around...surf the internet and your local stores for some air purfiers and find one within your price range. Its the only way to make it all better...
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (85531)
• United States
1 Aug 07
You are absolutely right about masking the odors. That's all I've been doing. Jut trying to make it liveable. I am under the assumption Walmart is the cheapest for air purifiers, but perhaps I need to look a little further. I will look around because I am desperate to make the migraines go away.
@theprogamer (10534)
• United States
9 Sep 07
Ambie
Here goes stuff I found on Newegg. While not Ionic Breeze, they might be worth a gander
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2000390569+1366330258&name=Air+Purifiers
Um this Honeywell got a few good ratings, and its one of the cheaper ones
Might be worth it
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16896113043
This product has more ratings but its a wide range.
Proceed with caution
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16896101596
Home remedies
Use thick towels at your door to try and keep some of the smoke out. Its somewhat effective.
If you need anything else come find me.
- Pro.
1 person likes this
