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Concrete and VOCs

(Alexandria, Virginia)

Q.How can I neutralize/remove Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs, or off gases) that may have been absorbed into my concrete floor?

I have a concrete floor in the basement of my home. Previously the floor was covered with a pad and carpeting. However, recently I realized I am allergic to the VOCs in the adhesive (the rozin or resin) used in the bonded padding. I have removed both the pad and carpet from the basement(after attempts at replacing both and steam cleaning). But the VOCs remain, and when I circulate air in my home the VOCs permeate the house.

Please help! How do I neutralize/remove VOCs that may have been absorbed into the concrete floor of my basement?

P.S. -- Given my ongoing allergy concerns, I would like to use something with low VOCs like the soy products you mention for removing adhesives.

A. The best way to get rid of anything bonded to a concrete floor is to use a shotblast machine or a diamond grinder. With carpet adhesives, diamond grinding would work best. You could either rent one yourself or hire someone else to do it. They come with a vacuum that hooks to it to eliminate most of the dust. The soy based mastic removers would also work but cost as much if not more than renting a grinder.

Being allergic, it might be in your best interest to use soy products because grinding will cause some of the dust to become airborne and get into air ducts.

As the mastic remover is applied, cover it with plastic sheeting and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. This keeps it from drying out while allowing plenty of time for the stripper to do the work. Pull the sheeting off one section at a time and use a floor scraper to remove the loosened adhesives. When finished, give the floor a good srubbing. It would be a good idea to apply some type of coating such as an epoxy paint or sealer to seal in any possible remaining VOCs.