Chemical Dangers During a Home Renovation

People should be aware of dangerous chemicals before, during, and after a home renovation. The dangers of chemicals are not like dangers people may experience elsewhere; chemical dangers are many times unseen. People may not notice these dangers until they are already seriously ill. Many of the illnesses that people may experience from chemical hazards are not simply coughs or sneezes. These are illnesses such as mesothelioma and other cancers. Therefore, people must be certain that they are aware and protect themselves from home renovation dangers.

Older homes are usually the first homes that people decide to renovate. These homes may have been built 30, 60, or 90 years ago. These homes are also the ones that contain the most dangerous chemicals. The reason these homes may have a higher percentage of dangerous chemicals is because most of the material used in the construction was before federal regulations were put into place. These homes may contain asbestos, which is a potential cause of mesothelioma and lung cancer. These homes may contain lead paint, which can also cause detrimental lung problems. These homes may also contain pesticides, which can prove to be very harmful if the person breathes in the material. Renovating an older home may not only cause health hazards to the renovator, but other people near the renovation may experience health problems. Most of the material used in the older homes will not cause a problem until the renovation begins. When the renovation begins, the fumes and other fibers are released into the air.

When people decide to renovate these older homes, they should take the necessary protection measures before the renovation begins. They should be sure that they are not working in areas that are not ventilated properly. If all windows and doors are closed, there is no way for the harmful fumes to escape the air. Also, there is no way for the renovator to get fresh air.

Renovators can invest in ventilation systems, or they can simply open the windows and doors for fresh air. If the renovator is unsure about how to handle materials such as asbestos, then he or she should contact the Environmental Protection Agency. This agency offers specific details about the hazards of asbestos and how to handle asbestos exposure.

Renovating a home is something many people will do someday. As they begin the renovation process, they will need to know about these dangers. If they take the measures needed for safety and protection, the renovation process will be a safe one.

Article contributed by Brian Turner, a health advocate and blogger.