Hire a tradesperson!

Our tradespeople are ready to help. Post a job for free, read reviews and hire today.

Need some tips or advise?

Painting & Decorating

are my walls making me sick?

Anonymous user 16 March 2024 - 2.51 PM

i live in a privately rented house in england. it was built in the 80s. most of the rooms have textured wallpaper and they have been painted over the paper. i assume the paper is pretty old but i think the paint is from the last 5-10 years. we have lived here for over four years and we're the first people to rent it. the house used to belong to the landlady's mother and she put it up for rent when she died. i sometimes notice that there seems to be a small patch of clear oil coming from the walls in different places and sometimes there are little spatters of orange/brown. i wipe these off but they seem to reappear. is it possible that my walls are dangerous. my partner and i have both been ill since 2020 but we believe it's long covid. is there a way to get my walls tested for safety? who would i contact? is there a test i can buy? what is causing the oil and marks?

Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?

Log in

5 Answers

Anonymous user

Good Afternoon Madam, From what your describing , it sounds like you have ,DAMP , probs beneath the wall exterior, My first line of action would be to take off parts of the exterior where your having to wipe, after checking for leakage ie band guttering, dripping Tap/Sink/Bath, U cannot decorate on top of a problem beneath as it will eventually show itself by Mould/Sweat, Also that age of house should have Breathing Blocks in some rooms , In winter People tend to Block them up for heating sense in the winter, but this can cause the house not being able to Breath &say Dry , Hope this as been helpful It’s the best I can say without Seeing the Problem , Hope Yous both are feeling better today, U can call me “ Tony” on the following number 07776546074 thanks
Answered11 September 2023
7

Anonymous user

As the other decorator says could be a damp issue, depending how long theses marks have been appearing you would eventually get mould. You you could buy a damp meter, from any DIY shop, (toolstation). This will tell you if the walls or spot are damp.
Answered12 September 2023
0

Anonymous user

Hi there, This most likely is the issue. Damp can cause sickness and most likely in children can cause underlying health issues that can arise in the future. Your best bet would be to get a damp checker and locate all the damp before clearing it up
Answered16 September 2023
0
leigh pickard
Rating: 5 out of 5554 reviews
West Byfleet
As you are renting it would be up to the landlord to sort this problem not you
Answered28 September 2023
0
Stanley Lambert Services

No reviews yet

South Croydon
If you're concerned about the safety of your walls, especially given the presence of oil patches and discoloration, it's advisable to contact your local council's environmental health department. They can guide you on potential hazards and may conduct tests if needed. Additionally, consider discussing the issue with your landlady and documenting any communication. The oil patches could be a result of various issues like dampness or plumbing problems. A professional inspection might help identify the source. If you suspect a health impact, consult a medical professional regarding your symptoms and consider mentioning the concerns about your living environment.
Answered20 November 2023
0