Do you DIY? Many people enjoy renovating their homes by themselves, but the truth is it is a lot more dangerous than you might think. Some people complete their renovation themselves because they have a history in DIY and know exactly what materials are needed, where they can get dumpster rental Long Beach, CA, and what danger points they need to look out more. They are qualified to do the job and want to save money by DIY-ing. While the vast majority of people are aware of the dangers of messing with electrical points or falling off ladders, other unseen issues lurk in many homes. Some DIY projects will involve working with substances and materials that are incredibly hazardous to your health. If this is something that worries you about DIY projects, knowing that there are plenty of great remodeling out there, finding a professional company who could be of assistance may not be as difficult as you thought.
Read on to find out more about them – and how to avoid doing damage to your health.
Paint fumes
Most paints and solvents contain a substance called methylene chloride, which can cause all kinds of health issues, from a headache to nausea. It is critical to ensure you have proper ventilation when painting, particularly if you suffer from breathing conditions or have small children in the home. It’s also advisable to wear a mask wherever possible. When painting and taking part in any decorating and construction tasks, safety is important and must be put first, therefore when dealing with any construction tasks, it is crucial to get a professional to do the work for you. A professional will ensure that the job is done correctly, you can visit the site here to check out some roofing professionals, offering you quality service and lots of different styles to support your roofing desires.
Asbestos
If you live in an older home, you might have a lot of asbestos present in your insulation, floor or ceiling tiles, or even roofing materials. The trouble is it is incredibly dangerous and can lead to fatal conditions such as lung cancer, asbestosis, or mesothelioma. As any mesothelioma attorney will tell you, even exposure to asbestos during renovation work can cause the condition. It is vital that you find qualified asbestos removers if you suspect you have the substance anywhere in your home. Luckily there is now a ban on asbestos being used in the construction industry, so if you’ve bought a home built in the last couple of decades you won’t have to worry about which harmful substances might be hiding behind the walls. Luckily they are also getting closer to finding effective treatments for the illnesses caused by asbestos exposure.
Lead poisoning
Lead is another substance that was used a lot in the past before people realized it was hazardous to health. You could find lead in old paintwork – and it is vital to get it removed. Lead poisoning is extremely dangerous to everyone, but more so for small babies and toddlers. It can causes severe damage, including attacks on the brain and nervous system. Lead poisoning has caused coma, death, and seizures – even in vulnerable adults. If you live in an old home, it’s worth having the paintwork tested for lead content. It’s cheap, simple, and might just save your life.
Grout fumes
Tiling your bathroom? If so, you will be spending a significant amount of time spreading grout into the gaps between each tile. It can be a big job, that takes a long time – and puts you at risk. Grout contains chemicals that can cause mild respiratory problems, but these can be exacerbated if you already have a breathing condition such as asthma. It is essential that you protect yourself while grouting by using a mask and keeping plenty of air running through the room.
Damp and mold
Finally, be careful when renovating your home as it is full of delicate pipes. All it takes is a little nick, and you could end up with a leak. Over time, it can cause damp issues – and then mold. Exposure to mold can lead to a whole array of health problems, from wheezing to shortness of breath.
As you can see, safe home renovations need more than care and attention while you are on a ladder! Get to know the dangers in your home, and you can plan to protect yourself properly. Stay safe!