A Wisconsin Woman's Struggle with Water Vapor in Her Home
Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 -- 2:01 PM
Owning a home comes with its own unique set of challenges.
Those challenges can include fires, flooding, and more. But there’s one that not many may know about, but has caused a horrendous struggle for one Wisconsin woman. Michelle Castile first came to notice a problem when she noticed what appeared to be a sandy substance in the carpets of her home.
Michelle has been dealing with a severe indoor air quality problem due to a weatherization program, which she qualified for, and the work done to her home that has caused numerous damages. These damages are quite complex and took Michelle nearly one year to fully diagnose the problems.
With the help of the state health department, air quality experts, building scientists, and others, Michelle came to the conclusion and knowledge that water vapor has completely overtaken her entire home, as well as her life.
Her home is a toxic environment with high levels of CO2, carpeting that is full of the particulates that linger in the air, one of which confirmed to be cellulose insulation from being added to her unsealed attic, borate and fiberglass, among others. Michelle compares this to vacuuming a beach in every single room. I had the opportunity to speak with Michelle and she explained her situation in more detail.
Michelle has reached out to multiple avenues to try and acquire assistance and help including the use of a Community Development Block Grant, but was later informed the grant could not be used to do work in her attic, the main source of all the underlying issues in her home.
Everything from carpeting to furniture, bedding, clothing, and beyond are contaminated with what lingers in the air. Michelle and her family breathe this in every day. Yet no one has been willing or able to help them. As Michelle mentioned, many experts scratch their heads having now idea what to do.
Some have gone as far as calling her a liar. They feel she is simply making up the problem. It has had a harsh effect on her mental health, having to struggle with this issue every day with no help.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.