Hey everyone! I hope this isn't too off-topic for here. I'm really worried and appreciate any advice! My boyfriend accidentally stored a bottle of odourless mineral spirits under our bed, and it spilled out about 500 mL over a year or so. We didn't realize the extent until recently. We've noticed some strange symptoms like eye dryness, shortness of breath during exercise, and a tight throat. My boyfriend's also been having ear fluid issues. We thought it might be mold or allergies, but now I'm worried this is due to the mineral spirits instead of those. I've got some autoimmune issues and a history of high liver enzymes, so I'm freaked out about possible long-term effects or cancer risks. How concerned should we be? What steps should we take to clean this up? And are there any potential long-term consequences we should watch for? We have vinyl flooring—does that change anything? Thanks a million!
3 Answers
I've dealt with mineral spirits a lot in my work, and while they definitely have health risks, your exposure seems pretty low. It's good that you removed the source. Usually, mineral spirits evaporate quickly, especially if there's airflow. But if you're feeling off, see a doctor who specializes in toxins; they can give you peace of mind or help with any symptoms. Just keep monitoring your health and make sure to ventilate your space!
Do you think we should replace the flooring just in case? What would you suggest?
If you're worried, definitely talk to your doctor rather than relying on general advice from forums. It's important to get a professional evaluation, especially given your situation.
Mineral spirits can affect your flooring. Since yours is vinyl, the chemical might have caused some damage in that area. Cleaning it well is essential, but if the floor starts to change color or has a lingering smell, consider replacing it. It's also smart to keep that area ventilated and maybe even avoid storing chemicals under the bed in the future!
I’ve had some issues with odors from vinyl too—definitely watch for discoloration!
Good tip about ventilation! I’ll make sure to keep the windows open.
Thanks for the reassurance! I feel better knowing it might not be as bad as I thought.