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You may not have realized that
your remodeling
project may be creating unhealthy household air.
Q: What remodeling hazards should I be
concerned about?
A: Asbestos, formaldyhyde and othe
organic solvents, and leaded paint dust are the main ones. These hazardous
materials can be released into the air when you remove paint, hang
cabinets or disturb other existing products that contain these materials.
Paints, stripping and finishing products, and adhesives can also create
indoor air pollution.
Q: By remodeling with product that don't
include these hazardous materials, won't that minimize my exposure?
A: Not necessarily. Lead and asbestos were commonly used in home
building until the late 1970s. Remodeling or attempting to remove these
material from a building can actually increase your risk of exposure.
Often it's better to leave the lead- or- asbestos-containing materials in
place, but cover or seal them to reduce exposure. If you suspect these
materials are in your home, seek professional help before remodeling. If
you remodel, remember that careful cleanup is important to control
exposure.
Q: What is asbestos and why should I be
concerned about it?
A: Major sources of asbestos are
deteriorating, damaged or disturbed insulation, fire proofing or
acoustical materials, and floor tiles. You won't feel any immediate
symptoms from excessive asbestos exposure, buth there is the long-term
risk of chest and abdominal cancers and lung disease. Smokers are at
higher risk of developing asbestos-induced lung cancer.
Q: Why should I be concerned about lead?
A: Young children (up to about six years old) are especially at
risk of unknowingly ingesting lead contaminated dust or paint chips. Small
amounts of lead dust, ingested refularly, can cause delayed development,
reading and learning problems, lowered IQ, hyperactivity and discipline
problems. Larger doses can cause high blood pressure, anemia, and kidney
and reproductive disorders in kids and adults. Lead accumulates in the
body and its effects are irreversible.
Q: What is formadehyde and why should I be
concerned?
A: Formadehyde is often used as a
preservative or as an adhesive in pressed wood products, such as paneling
and particle-board, and funiture. Formaldehyde causes eye, nose and throat
irritations; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; skin rashes; headaches; loss
of coordination; nausea; damage to liver, kidneys and the central nervous
system; and severe allergic reactions. It has been linked to cancer
Q: What about other chemicals used in
remodeling, such as paints, wood strippers and finishes, adhesives, waxes
and cleaners?
A: The products to watch for are those
containing volatile organic compounds, which are organic solvents that
easily evaporate into the air. Some may be flammable. Following are some
of the compounds listed on product labels: petroleum distillates, mineral
spirits, chlorinated solvents, carbon tetrachloride, methylene chloride,
trichloroethane, toluene and formaldehyde. Other remodeling products can
be a hazard if they are used improperly.
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