health / paris apartment update

[@laurab7379]

You really need to find another place! I know it is not what you want to hear but this is affecting your health long term, it is your respiratory system that will be compromised. By the time something is done you could have long term damage. Please do yourself a favor and start looking now! Your health isn't worth that apartment and find something with more ventilation and better windows. I wish you well!

[@sierraades]

1000% she needs to move. This running in circles taking months to do every process is honestly so misguided when the true effort needs to go into just finding a new place. Some battles are not worth fighting. She’s going to end up with some long term damage with how long she’s staying there.

[@LAMaman]

Seriously… who has time for this mess?

[@lisamurphy6018]

Just because you’re not allergic to mold DOES NOT Mean you’re not reacting to it. I’ve had the same symptoms as you for two years and found lots of mold in my house. I took care of it and I’m slowly getting better.

[@kitskivich]

Exactly. While I don't test actively allergic to mold, I get a horrible reaction to it.

[@InsideouttrainingWB]

Exactly!!!!!!!!

[@lynnetrue4103]

You should buy encasements for your mattress/box spring and pillows. They should say on the package protect mattress from dust mites. They encase by zipping completely around your mattress and box spring. They have the same for pillows. Then you will be able to also wipe down or vacuum your mattress regularly because they are made of a plastic like fabric. Also I suggest you wear a dust mask while vacuuming or dusting or cleaning the filters on vacuum and HEPA. Might not hurt to wear a dust mask in your apartment until you get answers....your health is important. Using a Netipot might help too just be sure to use saline water NOT tap water in it.

[@JoieFoster]

Ah, sounds like landlords are the same the world over. Nothing gets done until the RENT is at stake! Ugh. I'm so sorry you're going through this; I hope you get some good answers and solutions soon!!

[@pbtraveler694]

I'm still betting on mold. You can get sick from it even if you don't test as allergic.

[@DrTriciaCardner]

I have been blessed with severe dust allergies, too😢 One thing that helps me in addition to all the prescription drugs is a neti pot. I use it at least 2 times a day and it helps wash out the particles. I’m having a lot fewer sinus infections since I started using it. Hope this helps!

[@maurahomerski33]

I’m SO sorry you’ve been going through this 😢❤ My son is also allergic to dust mites, and his allergist noted that dust mites aren’t airborne- they’re found in our clothes, pillows, couches, etc. The way she explained it was helpful- the fluffier the item, the more dust mites that are inside. We got my son an allergy cover for his pillow and mattress from Amazon to help him come in less contact with the mites while he sleeps. You might have already done that, but just an idea if you haven’t! I hope you get some resolution soon!!! ❤

[@JJTravelLife]

In old buildings I personally usually worry about asbestos dust and that is very dangerous for one's health. I hope you find what the problem is soon.

[@smdigidog7]

I am, too. All of those old building have it.

[@bonriver9420]

My thoughts exactly.

[@MNBikerGrrrl]

Someone else mentioned the neti pot and I want to emphasize this. A saline nose wash is a must for a person prone to sinus infection. You can do it regularly whether you fill sick or not.

[@PRETTYWYV]

The dust is from the lack of ventilation, dust is such an interesting annoyance, lol. I recommend looking up some makeshift ventilation with fans throughout the apartment while the windows are open! Good luck! 💕💕 & thank you for all the information, we’re preparing for our move and preparing for ALL scenarios!

[@dawnemyers8873]

It sounds like because of the pandemic going on that all these agencies are full up with others doing the same problems going on. Be sure you clean or replace filters.

[@VintageLPs]

Yikes!! And I was moaning because I had to sit in my eye doctor’s office today for THREE HOURS for a simple look at one eye. You have really been through hell the past six months. Too bad you cannot get a t.v. reporter to do a short segment on local news to shame all these agencies into action. Thanks for updating us on your situation and hopefully soon you can open your windows again. P.S. You look wonderful.

[@sheilaanderson912]

Oh gosh Arielle, I'm so sorry to hear about your continued struggles! One suggestion that may help alleviate your issues is to consider using a neti pot. I have no idea what they call it in France but basically your are flushing out your nasal cavity of all the junk. This is a universal method for flushing your nasal cavities. You could find it at a pharmacy. I wish you a speedy recovery.

[@karendunlap4037]

I have had problems with mold before, there are several plants that you can put in your apartment that help with mold spores and many dangerous chemicals (you recently purchased new furniture which comes with chemical off gassing), If you google it, several will come up. Also, tea tree oil helps a great deal with dust mites and mold, I put it in a spray bottle with a little mint and some water and use it as a spray on my rugs and furniture. I also put it in my cleaning water along with some vinegar and mint. It really helps. Spiders and several other bugs don't like it either.

[@jennifersveinson1313]

You are so resourceful and such a strong advocate for yourself. I'm inspired by you!

[@mysewingpractice]

Ariele, I have been wondering how you are doing healthwise. thanks for the update. You have been so upbeat in you other videos and not looking sick, so I was surprised to hear you have been suffering. I am no stranger to severe dust mite allergies. In addition to all you other treatments, consider sinus irrigation. Not just the netipot, but the actual "squirt up your nose saline" bottle. I still irrigate daily, although I haven't had an infection for about a year. Good luck going forward. From, Kathy

[@nancykintner9177]

Thanks for the update...hopefully everything will work out for your best!

[@veronicap1564]

As a rental friendly temporary solution, maybe try laying down some plastic to frame the floor then adding some rental friendly flooring that’s sold on Amazon on top. It looks like wood flooring. It might help a bit and keep the dust in the old floor boards. Also looks like a great upgrade

[@jaimecavanagh564]

Oh sounds awful hope ur ok and getting better. I’m allergic to dust mite too! Make sure u don’t have a feather doona or pillows. While warm they are dreadful for allergies. Lastly also try some peace Lilly plants, they are brilliant at clearing air and drawing out toxic air. Take care 😊

[@InsideouttrainingWB]

Unbelievable! So sorry you’re STILL dealing with this. Prayers for your fast and complete resolution to this. ❤

[@sharaswitala6296]

New furniture sometimes is made with formaldehyde mainly in the glue. Can make you really sick

[@lisaengle6384]

I have been thinking about you and wondering how you are! I’m glad to see this video update. I’m sorry you are having such an awful experience 😢

[@itsthequeenfatima]

I am so sorry this is happening to you! Hopefully it all gets resolved sooner rather than later. BTW , I love your channel! -Another North American in Paris

[@charlottetrujillo2207]

You’ve been through so much! I wish you well.

[@donnamacleod3289]

You should put filters on all air vets,heating ducts,etc. These weird dust particles have to be entering your apartment from somewhere and the ducts might be it. But in the end, your health is of the most important, it’s time to consider moving.

[@Sylviasdaughter-po8we]

To quote Whoppi Goldberg in Ghost: “you in trouble girl”. Get out of there, do not pass Go, just GO!

[@jumpingbee4717]

Hi, I'm a French Parisian and I sympathize (I also happen to have more and more allergies as time goes by and have had my fair share of apartment legal drama) : 1. Parisian appartements are very dusty. I notice it in my own where no sooner you vacuum you actually have to do it again the next day... 2. You could be allergic to pollens. There's a huge increase in allergies in the French overall population and Parisian one. This is due in part to climate change and its impact on the weather and trees / vegetation in general etc. I have also noticed you have a lot of different plants etc. You may be allergic to one of them, it happens too. 3. Since you've ruled out mold, humidity from previous "dégâts des eaux" (basically flooding and water leakage), you can always talk to the Syndic / copropriété directly in your building and ask if they suffer from the same thing and if you could check out their own diagnostics. 4. Don't waste your time with your real estate agency. They don't give a shit. No matter how charming or understanding or whatever... 5. Going to the mairie, (your local arrt one preferably) was a good move. Don't get your hopes up with the free legal "permanence". They'll probably set you up for a meditation (I went through that with an agency and even though I had the law on my side I only got 70% of my money back, absolutely no acknowledgement of wrong doing, wasted 3 months of my life and felt humiliated and distressed by the whole situation). Regional or bigger administrations won't help you out I'm afraid. They're not interested in individuals / "particuliers" problems. Alternatively you can check out what your CAF says about it, possibly a social worker, but again, you'd be most likely wasting your time, energy and hopes. Ultimately I would advise you to get out of the Sunk cost fallacy loop (trying to desperately make it work with this place and this agency), focus on getting a family loan to relocate yourself including in a flatshare for now, start fresh (literally) somewhere else and just not waste more of this unique life experience you're currently living with battles you won't win. It's just not worth it. Yes, you'll likely lose money (or more precisely have already lost it), you were very enthusiastic and you feel this is unfair and it shouldn't be that way, however the situation doesn't seem to have evolved at least from a health standpoint, which is the most important. We didn't make "c'est la vie" our motto and turn complaining into an art form out of nothing... Best of luck x

[@keptheart25]

I'm glad that, at least, things are moving forward. Thank you the update. You are in my prayers💜

[@susanbaker8130]

Wow! What effort has to be put to this respiratory sickness because so little help is provided. 😢 I want to get an allergy cover for my pillow now! I pray you’ll get a resolution soon and your good health returns! Keep your spirit fresh and pure.

[@sarahbuchan4524]

Dehumidifier! Any level of moisture in the air above 70% you get mould. You can get moisture monitors on Amazon also. Could help. Same problem my place ;)

[@michellebailey4769]

Old buildings + no ventilation =tons of dust…..so sorry that you’ve had to go through all of this and that you’ve been so sick. Be thankful for antibiotics and medications. I Hope that you get some answers and some response from your landlord, and that the problem is fixed!

[@jeancarver6599]

Thank you so much for your health update. I've thought about all that you have gone through.

[@nbsayler]

Have you considered whether the dust is coming from the heating system? If furnace in your building is oil based it could be off gassing the dust you are vacuuming up.

[@perpetualswoon1969]

So sorry you're going through this! Curious, have you investigated the cleanliness of the air duct behind the solitary vent shown in your video? In old buildings with cost-cutting landlords, those air vents are NEVER cleaned! It's possible your vent is filthy, and any air coming through it is blowing God only knows what kind of debris into your unit. Everything from plaster dust and asbestos from earlier construction projects, to years of gummy nicotine residue from former smokers, rodent droppings ... those vents get nasty! Hope you get to the bottom of this soon!

[@mariaallen418]

Your description of the purplish chunks in your vacuum, air purifier, and nose sounds as if there might be asbestos insulation somewhere in your flat--perhaps wrapping water pipes or even in the floorboards.

[@maryheller8560]

wow! 2 major take aways in my opinion 1) nationalized health care systems don't work and 2) government agencies also aren't helpful. BUT I'm glad you're getting some traction and movement. So glad your BF was able to get the allergist appointment and that lawyer was helpful.

[@bavanitan9856]

wow hearing your story makes me appreciate my country’s healthcare system

[@danielleboely6820]

I wonder if upstairs or downstairs neighbors could be hoarder ! I’m so happy to live in the USA my healthcare is expensive but I get appointments in the week or two thank you for sharing all your precious information , administration in France are a disaster my Mother depended of it she is not happy at all hope you doing well soon and get your test results back soon

[@LauraErdmanLuntz]

I am so glad you are getting closer to your resolution! I was just thinking about you the other day.

[@pocphotocompany]

Wow you’ve been through a lot but it looks like, hopefully, the ordeal is coming to an end. It was disappointing to hear the difficulties you had dealing with agencies and health care there, as I am seriously considering moving to Paris but I realize these types of situations can happen in any major city. I’ve certainly have had my share of dealing with unscrupulous landlords in NYC. Good luck

[@tudorg.samson547]

Bonjour, hope you are much better now. I will put some tips for how to have better air in your apartment, thus reducing the risk of mold: 1. Buy an Air Filter / Xiaomi, quite inexpensive, cheap and gets the job done; 2. When cooking or taking long baths, try to get rid of the steam as fast as possible; 3. Usually mold will develop if your furniture is to close to the wall, you need to have proper ventilation of the walls and corners of the house; 4. If painting is an option, try to use anti mold products, there are anti mold paints, anti mold primers, etc; Hope this helps.

[@Jen44657]

Wow. So frustrating. Who knows what’s sitting under those ancient floorboards. I don’t know if this is something you can get in France, but ozone treatments are amazing for chronic sinus infections. I hope you get answers and they some help solving the root issue.

[@mrskimmhamilton]

Faux plants and those dried flowers on the table will only add to dust mites. New furniture will also off has and could be harming you since you are in a poorly ventilated small space. Gosh. I’m so sorry you are dealing with this.

[@happywithpropper]

The best tip, I can give you is to vacume with an FFP2 mask on. While vacuming there's a lot of air circulation and this throws up the dust and into your nose. I don't know if it's possible for you to get a vacuming robot. My partner has an allergy to dust mites as well and he got a reaction everytime he vacumed. Also, having lived in Paris for a few years, I know that the pollution is so strong in some areas that it increases the amount of dust EXTREMELY.. So something else you can do is check the weather app for the pollution intensity of the day which is linked to the direction of the wind, etc. and only air the appartment accordingly.. That's all I can think of, all the best to you!

[@lb8781]

... bureaucracy ... A FRENCH WORD... 'nuff said

[@ritagoedecke6574]

Sorry to hear about your continuing bad experience at this apartment. Would it be a good idea to look for another place? Because it is costing your health and many other things. Is it worth all of that, I do feel for you very much, but if I were in your shoes I would really not stay at that place anymore. I think you would do a lot better and have a more pleasant experience without health issues.

[@maryannhartzell2958]

Thank you, thank you …for this video💫

[@nancewhittemore7147]

Hope you read this one... The best air filter I have found after years... it is called a Dust Magnet made by a Swedish company called Blue Air... please check out their website and the specs!

[@lnruiz2003]

Another suggestion, deep clean your washing machine - it can harbor lots of deberes! Wash your bedding often and cover your bed during the day so dust does not land on it.

[@JeanneHaegele]

Hi, someone I knew had some similar problems, including awaking in the middle of the night feeling unable to breathe, and they actually recently found out that they have Hashimoto's Disease. If you haven't done so already, perhaps take blod test that includes the thyroid function tests?

[@FunwithBooboo]

Wishing you success 🙌 and you are right, the video was a positive one since you are taking all the right steps, because YOU NEVER GAVE UP 😊 👍

[@dorisbeckish580]

Maybe what you're breathing in is a type of insulation. Are they refurbishing any apt in your building and adding said insulation or is there any new construction going on in your building that may cause such dust to be coming I to your place.

[@Resmith18SR]

Useless bureaucracy in Paris France? I'm absolutely shocked 😲😲😲!!!

[@aliciaeve3117]

I think I would buy an additional Hepa filter.

[@wynternorth5254]

I'm so sorry you are going through this. Gosh, I just can't imagine having three sinus infections in such short time! Check for lead in the paint, asbestos as well. Probably, it is because your apartment doesn't have any ventilation and you have a build up of bad air.

[@lisaharner3720]

You need to start looking for a new place as this one is costing you your health. Aside from the new apartment, you also purchased new furniture. You might check that the furniture isn’t off gassing something toxic. Get a second hepa filter. And cover all those old air ducts as they may be pulling in bad air from inside the building. What is the history of the building? Was it used for any industrial purpose prior to being converted to housing? Are any of your neighbors having issues? I’m so sorry you are going through this and hope you find a resolution.

[@vaidyaga]

This was exhausting to listen to !

[@baqtrvl]

if there are worse places on the floor maybe you can put some big rugs over those spaces. Those spaces between the planks can be filled in. Have you talked to the people directly under you and over you.

[@leslijenkins3661]

I have a friend who month after month was getting horrible sinus infections, but in her case, it was caused by her sinus cavity collapsing. She'd had a broken nose from playing softball as a teenager and had surgery to correct it, but in her early 40s had the infections and found out about the sinus collapsing. After a second surgery she was fine. I'm extremely allergic to dust mites, but I've only ever had one sinus infection, so I'm not convinced that's the issue, but everyone is different. I'm actually more concerned about the debris in your vacuum and air filter. That I would have tested, it's possible that it could be construction materials like insulation or fiberglass, etc. But no matter what else, I hope you feel better and are able to stay that way.☺️

[@jellybeanparis584]

Glad you got Allergy Tests. I think the dust is coming through the Floorboards from below. Have you asked your neighbor below your apartment if they have a Dust Problem as well ? I used to live in Paris on rue Lauriston in the 16th. I understand there is always a lot of Red Tape in France 🇫🇷

[@bluegreen4387]

Get a roomba and run it everyday. They pick up a huge amount of dust.

[@junethiel632]

Commisserations on all your issues! I hope and pray for an excellent outcome for you....

[@PandaRavenstorm]

That’s insaaaane! No ventilation at all ☠️

[@4Tangemans]

A neti pot may help to clear your sinuses out as well.

[@elizabethpadilla6802]

dust mites don’t thrive in the cold, they thrive in hotter weather. sounds like its something else like mold. dust mites are not purple, too

[@annjohnson543]

Do you know what was in your building before they converted it to apartments?

[@laurafogel7432]

Ariel, I hope you read the comments. I have had allergies for 40 plus years, and I am so glad you went to see an allergist and got tested. Dust allergies are a major thing, you need to 1) get on allergy shots and 2) remove all the dust collecting objects in your home, like carpets and plants. I know you love the plants, but they have tons of dust on them. The allergist may push medicine on you ,but nothing is going to work better and be a better result for you then immunotherapy from shots, which are natural. Fight for the shots, you will thank yourself.

[@laurafogel7432]

also dont be afraid to spray mold killer on that mold. Stay on top of it!

[@filoluleando]

I’m sorry that you are having this problem, Hope that you can find another place in the near future… cuz it seems a long term problem

[@snowbirdlady8496]

Wow! I am so sorry you have been so sick and going through such unbelievable frustration. Allergic to dust mites? Most people are, just to different degrees. I have always hated to dust because it makes my nose run. Years later I had allergy testing and dust mites were one of a few things. What concerns me is the big grey and purple dust clumps you describe. You did buy all new furniture. Could there be components, or worse chemicals, in the furniture that are toxic? Manufacturing and health standards are not the same world wide and so much of the stuff that is ordered on line is so questionable (IMO)! Maybe look on the furniture tags and research some of the items/terms listed? Do that while you wait for the flooring test results. Buona fortuna!

[@ZeldaTheLegendof]

I hope that this will all be resolved. I am concerned that you will end up having a day surgery to take out the affected sinuses and this might cost you a lot of $$$. Ask your doctor if a saline solution plus Pumilcort nose cleanse can help clean your sinuses. This what was my specialist prescribed to me after my sinus operation. Wishing you all the best.

[@Courtney6]

What a wild ride! I vote for a new apartment but if you can’t, definitely another air filter or two. Crazy!

[@NonStopParis]

You don’t need to be allergic to black mould for it to be bad for you and to affect your health 😕😞 Hopefully your inspector was correct and that it’s indeed not black mould. When I need a doctor I go straight to a GP for an ordonnance or a specialist. My mutuelle covers most or all of the cost.

[@MrStan0630]

Thanks for the update. Keep being persistent. It will pay off eventually.

[@maryk8563]

This might be way off but did anyone mention asbestos? Best wishes to you and I hope this is resolved soon.

[@zgirl1385]

Ah socialism....long medical waits, agencies that don't function....hence why my family left France. Much nicer to visit. You are a very sweet girl and I do enjoy your videos.

[@TXforever]

I do agree with your comment about socialist medicine! What a joke!

[@zgirl1385]

@@TXforever I've friends who pay into the public and then only go private. So double paying. I do hope you can get to the bottom of your health issues. My son was allergic to mold and tree pollens and did shots for 11 years once a week. It worked but what a long haul. On your sinus infections and to clean out your sinuses....have you tried a netti pot? If you do use one make sure to only use distilled water and never tap. Take care x

[@susansharpe7464]

Hard life lesson, young one. 99% of people will not give a crap about your concerns until it hits them in the wallet. Doesn't matter what country you are in.

[@loritanner4478]

I'd check into an asbestos test. All that "dust" might be asbestos since your building is older. And that can cause really bad health issues.

[@smdigidog7]

I am quite concerned about asbestos..very dangerous. I do hope you continue to pressure the landlord.

[@msunshine4412]

I'm so sorry that you are still having health problems. I will, again, suggest that you buy an ozonizer to kill whatever mold might be in the apartment . Like I said before, it will kill any living plants, so those would have to be set outside the apartment while running the machine. You'd have to stay outside the apartment for 30 min after running the machine and open all windows for 10-20 min for ozone to dissipate. An ozonizer is what libraries use to kill mold and mold spores in books, to avoid contamination of other books. Wishing you the best.

[@carolmac5944]

Have you talked to a neighbor?

[@adelehagen7684]

Wow! Poor girl! Hang in there.

[@Katiediddance]

Given your description of the vacuum waste I concur that much of your problem is coming from the floor. I would not rule out the outdated ventilation either. These buildings being so old and without any insulation (lath & plaster), any air movement moves particle up/out/sideways to then drop onto the surface of the flooring. However, it is likely from the floor, the ancient construction of flooring between levels is wood with no insulation/wrapping which is a petri dish over time for any past leaks and the general breakdown. The fillers or lack of between the floor boards also look compromised, that material is also dislodged as you walk around. I am so sorry you are going through this.

[@johannaengman2594]

Going to make a small reply on your other video about Emelie but make a short one here. I am glad you feel better. I have also been worried cause it is really not healthy to get so many allergic reactions and antibiotics. But what you experienced in your search for help I think many would classify as rudeness. I know it is also a culture thing on how you are responding but still it is rude. Hope everything is going to be well.

[@numbernine3436]

They "deal more with preventative measures " obviously not or landlords wouldn't be allowed to rent places w/o adequate ventilation.

[@dawnemyers8873]

But when you were looking at apartments initially , you commented on the apartment had been painted, so almost all of them were freshly painted per you notice when looking.

[@LiSaDeLune]

Okay, I know you did not ask for advice, but if I may I am going to give some unsolicited advice, hoping you, or anyone else who reads it, can use it. If you don't want it, just ignore it! These are (small) things/changes that I didn't know and that helped me with my respetory issues. If you are allergic to dust and dust mites, vacuuming could actually make your symptoms worse (because the dust all starts flying around when dusting/vacuuming). My doctor told me I should not even be IN the house, when somebody else is cleaning/vacuuming! If you can (even just to see if it works), have someone else vacuum for you, and make sure you are NOT in the apartment. Also, leave windows open during and after vacuuming (10 to 30 minutes should help to air it out and let the dust settle again). Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Don't open/clean the vacuum/bag/filter inside your home (if you can't go outside, do it by an open window), and have it done by somebody else (while you are out) if at all possible. If that really isn't possible, wear a proper mask when vacuuming/cleaning out the vacuum (when I was married my husband sometimes vacuumed and it did make a difference, but now that I am free again, I open all windows (or at least two on either side of the apartment, so you have a draft) have a vacuum with a HEPA filter and I often wear a N95 mask while vacuuming.. it looks silly, but it works, so 🤷‍♀️) I actually developed asthma after a severe respetory infection (I could not even walk up one flight of have a short conversation, I just could not get the air in my lungs) when I was living next to a train track. Lots of "fine dust". (In my case/area opening the windows made the problems worse! Not all air is "fresh" 😉. In that case, windy days are the best time to get some fresh-as-possible air inside!) People in my area actually live eight years shorter, then people who live in a less polluted area... It sucks, but that's how it is around the world. Poor people always live in the most polluted areas and don't have the money to move/relocate. Older homes often have more dust, but new homes often have off gassing.. So you really can't win. I do make sure the furniture I get is second hand if possible (five years old, at least! Ten is better), or, if that is not possible, I try to get something that is made out of real wood. So no MDF, plywood, laminate, particleboard, etc. (Stinging/itchy eyes can also be a sign something in your home is offgassing) New furniture (like sofas, tables (especially if they are not made from real wood) can often trigger issues. And I think this goes without saying, but if you have any allergies, sinus or respetory issues, make sure you don't have any "wall flowers", scented candles, those scented sticks, scented laundry detergent, etc. and make sure you do NOT use fabric softener (you can use vinegar (the cleaning kind, not the eating kind) instead). All that stuff is really bad for anyone's health anyway, but can be detrimental for someone who has any sinus/respetory issues. Also, be careful with deodorant (especially the spray-on) and things like parfums. For me has gotten so bad over the years, I can't sit next to/in the same area as someone who is wearing (too much) deodorant/parfume/aftershave.. Even walking past people who have surrounded themselves with a cloud of "scent" can trigger an asthma attack (and I don't even have severe asthma!). Also don't forget to vacuum your sofa and your mattress (dust mites LOVE it there!). Don't use feathers in you sofa cushions or for your pillows and bedding. Wash bedding/covers on the highest setting they can stand (we call it boil-wash. It's 90°C, but if you bedding/towels, etc. can't handle that, 60°C should do the trick as well.). It sounds like a lot, but honestly these are small adaptations that are not that difficult to implement but can make a big difference. Hope you feel better soon! Also, the waiting lists are like that, or worse, everywhere in Europe (that I know of. I am located in the Netherlands), especially after Covid. It created either a back log, due to more illness (both in patients, but also in healthcare workers), and/or because of Covid restrictions. A lot of companies/hospitals/clinics are still catching up, creating longer waiting lists.. Good luck!

[@laurafogel7432]

this is a much longer more thorough response but i am so glad you wrote it, candles, scented stuff all bad bad bad. Clear out your apartment Ariel of this stuff!

[@LiSaDeLune]

@@laurafogel7432 Thanks! Yeah, and often when our bodies get triggered by something, we become more sensitive to other things as well, even things that never caused any issues in the past.

[@donnanowostawski2309]

When is the lease up? Maybe you should consider moving. Or maybe you could shallac the floors?

[@NonStopParis]

You can leave a lease at any time in France as a tenant

[@candydonnelly7543]

Arielle, my first concern is, if you are a renter and after months of being sick, why are you sacrificing your health? Forgive this question, if you are supporting yourself to pay the Rent/Food how are you managing to get up and go to work? You sound like you are determined to bring down the French way of dealing with rental issues, I am sorry to say, but I sincerely think you will not win. Please put your health as your first priority, and stop waiting for a miracle. Recognize that you have the power to save yourself!

[@AlejandraGarcia-ho3lq]

What if you cover the floor with plastic so nothing rises? It looks bad but it might help. There’s also dust mite control sprays that you spray on everything every 6 months it helped me a lot. Also get and other air filter. So sorry you have to go through this .

[@teribennett7687]

Can I ask what these sprays are and where you can purchase them?

[@laritalovesmakeup]

Have you checked with other people in your building that are possibly having the same issues? I’m sorry your not well. ❤ I do think it’s time for you to move away from this stress and dusty place. ❤

[@lisaengle6384]

Also, I’m sure you’ve considered whether or not your clothes dryer is properly vented, but I thought it was worth a mention

[@cokedclassic7627]

That is so true!

[@susanh1205]

I use Flonase, which is a steroid nose spray, it works well for my dust and other environmental allergies.

[@vessyioannou259]

Check your vacuum cleaning machine buy new one or new filter

[@sharaswitala6296]

Make sure for a bit no flowers or perfumes, lotions, hair products for a bit.

[@bluecottonbykammy7199]

Even if you are not allergic to mold doesn’t mean that isn’t your problem. Black mold is deadly! For everyone! Call a mold remediation company to come take samples.

[@kdmorrison7536]

Can't you break your lease. Leave that apt. your lungs are going to be damaged

[@ladeanlombardi8638]

This is so sad...you can't even enjoy your time there!!

[@jeanninef2110]

I agree with the comment from @lisamurphy6018....even if your test doesn't show an allergy to mold...mold can be toxic. You need to move to a place where the ventilation is much better. Good luck!

[@kimmcculloch3822]

You might want to use leca instead of soil for your plants

[@deanawagner9759]

Are you sure there is no asbestos in the apartment?

[@tanyamassey9438]

Put rugs on the floor. Who is below you? Sculpture? Above you?