Virtually
every homeowner will tackle a renovation project at some point
in the life of their home. Whether it's upgrading the kitchen or
bathroom, installing new windows, building an addition or just
giving everything a fresh coat of paint, remodeling is a major
event.
Before you pick up a saw or a
paint brush, or sign the papers for a contractor to do the work,
it's important to think about the impact a renovation project
could have on your health.
The American Lung Association
reports that indoor air pollution is one of the five most-urgent
environmental risks to public health. Pollution levels inside
the home can reach two to five times higher than outside, and
during a remodeling project those levels can skyrocket.
If you're one of the 36
million Americans who have asthma or allergies, the dust from
sawing, sanding, installing insulation, tearing out old walls or
cutting new ones can trigger or aggravate those conditions.
Opening up walls or ceilings can also release organic
contaminants, including mold and other spores that can collect
between walls, and droppings from insects and rodents. And there
can be significant fumes from paint, glues, new carpet or
hardwood floors.
Even if you don't suffer from
asthma or allergies, it's well worth minimizing the amount of
dust and fumes in your house during a renovation.
"It's worse for a remodel
because with new construction, no one is there. The owners don't
sleep there," says Steve Klossner, a consultant with the
American Lung Association of Minnesota.
There are three major
air-quality concerns that come with a remodeling project,
Klossner says. They are bug and rodent droppings; biological
contaminants like mold and mildew; and mechanical systems --
such as furnaces and fireplaces -- that don't operate as
designed or don't vent properly after a remodeling project.
Compounding the problems
associated with a remodeling project is the fact that the most
common indoor allergies are dust mites and mold. Those allergens
can trigger coughing, sneezing, itching, wheezing and shortness
of breath, says Dr. Inyanga Mack, an assistant professor in the
Department of Family and Community Medicine at Temple University
School of Medicine in Philadelphia.
Because mold likes a dark,
warm environment, air conditioning or a dehumidifier will cut
down on its growth, Mack says. And a solution of one cup of
bleach to 10 cups of water makes a good fungicide for cleaning
away mold spores on the under-sink fixtures in the bathroom and
kitchen, she says.
Anyone with significant indoor
allergies should think carefully about the home-remodeling
products they choose. Tile, vinyl or hardwood floors will reduce
the amount of dust mites that collect in your home far better
than carpet, Mack says. And enamel paint inhibits mold growth
better than latex paint.
If prolonged exposure to dust
and fumes is a health issue, you might want to consider a
contractor instead of doing the job yourself, Mack says.
"Anyone with a known
history of allergy or asthma shouldn't take on a project like
that. Get some help from someone who doesn't have those
sensitivities," she says.
Other recommendations for
improving indoor air quality during a remodeling project:
-
Make sure the rooms are
well ventilated, wear a mask and don't stay in the work area
for extended periods of time. "You don't want to be
closed up in it all day," Mack says. "If you felt
a little winded, a mild headache, or tightness in the chest,
take a break. A lot of people want to get things finished
today -- and that may not be safest thing to do."
-
Isolate the work area with
tarps or plastic zipper doors and shut air vents to keep
dust and fumes from circulating throughout the house.
-
Clean the work area daily
to reduce the amount of dust and debris.
One final suggestion: Hire a
professional to remove asbestos and lead-based paint.
What to Do: The American Lung
Association offers Tips
on Healthier Home Remodeling.
For more information on allergies and asthma.
