Crisis Averted

So we were kind of freaking out yesterday about the new carpet. It leaves black marks on our feet, and black marks all over Little Girl. Sad face!! Also, we noticed that we're not feeling that great -- scratchy throats, allergies/asthma symptoms, etc. Yikes. We thought maybe it was just us and the stress of the move, but our friend came over last night and sat in our apartment for less than an hour, and said her throat hurt. So we googled and discovered it was likely the VOCs. VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds, which are in a lot of things, but mostly carpet, paint, etc. We were kindof freaking out -- okay okay, really freaking out about the fact that Lucia's room is the smelliest (in terms of new carpet smell -- not just dirty diapers!). So we put her in the portable crib last night in the living room. She was slightly confused but doesn't really care where she is anytime after 8 p.m., she just wants to go to bed. She's like me that way.

We talked about moving out; some other things haven't gone exactly perfectly during the move-in process. Of course I cried and was worried sick over the health effects of all of us. But we really like the place, and our landlord has been receptive (and is talking with the carpet manufacturer about the black marks).

This morning I talked with our Environmental Health expert at work coincidentally, because I was supposed to have a meeting with her today, and because of aforementioned freaking out, I took the day off to deal with the situation. She recommended getting an air purifier with an activated carbon filter. So off to Lowe's I went, and purchased this one. Yes, it's expensive, but I didn't want to risk it, ok?

Since running it all day (it even has a remote!), the place is far less smelly and we're feeling better. We walked around our neighborhood tonight and we're making progress slowly on unpacking, and I think everything's going to be OK.

Phew.