Attic sickness?

rcooke · January 28, 2017, 10:17pm

ayouberg:

I am a student inspector and just completed my 3rd mock inspection this past Tuesday, on a 40 year old home. I completed the attic inspection last. The insulation was blown-in cellulose and the hip and valley roof was in very good condition, appox 5 years old. There was evidence of previous, old water damage on the rafters and insulation. The 3200 sq ft home had no soffit vents and 2 static roof vents. I was in the attic for about 10 minutes and was not wearing a mask, my bad, I know.

By the time I got my ladder loaded up and was getting ready to leave, I was exhausted. I got home and had to take a nap. By late afternoon I felt like I was getting the flu; head-achy, light-headed, slightly nauseous, joints hurt, chills, etc. I felt quite a bit better the next morning but was still light-headed and tired. It was not until Thursday afternoon that I felt 100% again.

I have done some research and did not find where mold, dust, cellulose, or stagnant air can cause these symptoms, so perhaps just I caught a little bug coincident to the inspection. Obviously, I should have worn at least a paper mask (forgot to take it) and I have a full face respirator.

My questions are:

Has anyone experienced or heard of these kinds of symptoms after being in an attic, and

Is a mask, and what type, is considered essential for an attic inspection?

Thanks!

Never a problem the mask goes on before the attic door opens .
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