Did you know that tearing down walls could contain hidden dangers that can hurt the developing fetus and a child’s growing body? When making efforts to upgrade and beautify your home, precaution measures should be taken to ensure home renovation dangers such as dust, fumes, and mold are controlled and contained.
Mold
This is one of the risks uncovered during renovations. Mold can cause eye irritation, respiratory irritation, and wheezing in children who owe complications such as asthma. Mold ending up in indoor air should be cleaned up and the source of moisture be controlled. An air humidity detection meter can be used to measure the moisture levels in homes.
Exposure to Lead
Older homes built in the 1970s are likely to contain lead in the interior and exterior paint. When children are exposed to lead poisoning, devastating child development can be affected. Lead affects nearly every system in the body especially the developing nervous system and brain.
Exposure to asbestos
Asbestos was common construction material in homes built before 1990. They were mostly used in siding, popcorn ceilings, and vinyl flooring. Unsafe renovations and demolition practices in residential areas not only expose asbestos to the homeowners but also the construction workers. Asbestos is an odorless and colorless mineral. When inhaled it affects the lungs causing a cancer-related disease known as mesothelioma.
In modern construction, some of the common asbestos-containing materials include linoleum flooring, roof shingles, vinyl, loose insulation, gypsum-board filling compound, pipe insulation, stucco, and deck under-sheeting. Normally when these materials are left alone, they are safe. Asbestos fibers are released into the air when these construction materials are disturbed through cutting, scraping, sanding, or tearing. As exposure to asbestos is deadly, you can visit Mesothelioma Cancer Network for thorough and professional screening tests.
Dos and Don’ts when handling asbestos materials
Dos
- Avoid any contact with dangerous asbestos materials
- Talk to your home inspector about any known asbestos risk in your home
- Take precaution measure not to damage any material that may contain asbestos
- Hire trained professionals for asbestos testing and inspections
Don’ts
- Don’t dispose of asbestos materials with normal household waste
- Don’t scrape, drill or disturb materials that may contain asbestos
- Don’t collect asbestos samples for testing without proper training
Legal laws on handling asbestos
As long-term exposure to asbestos leads to asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, the infected party is eligible for either personal injury or wrongful death claim compensation. Victims can file lawsuits to get financial compensations from asbestos trust funds and settlements. Mesothelioma compensation averages up to $2.4 million depending on the claim.
Any activity involving asbestos must follow environmental regulations. Handling asbestos improperly can result in stop-work orders and fines.
Safety tips for safe home renovations
Pregnant women should take extra precautions: They should not get involved in really dusty renovations since fetuses are highly susceptible to dust and fume.
Look out for construction in the neighborhood: Nearby constructions can also bring about dust allergies and body part irritation.
Carry out a thorough general cleaning: Ventilate well an area that has been renovated. Wipe down residual dust. Ensure the floors are dust-free to prevent infants and crawling toddlers from inhaling harmful dust.
Wall off the renovation area: The demolition area should be sealed off completely to minimize exposure to dust.
Conclusion
The threats to home remodeling and renovation take place when tearing out parts is done. Consider contacting the appropriate regulatory agency when planning on a demolition.
