Your home should feel like the safest place in the world. It should bring you peace, make you comfortable, and it should be the place you look forward to coming back to at the end of the day. A lot of people will choose to decorate, renovate, and even remodel their home in order to achieve that cozy feeling. Deciding to renovate your home is exciting but it can seem like an extremely daunting task. Things like dangerous building materials and substances may come up during the renovation process and could pose a serious threat to your health. You’re even more likely to run into potential hazards if you’re in an older home. Federal and local codes, as well as building technology, are constantly changing to improve the health and safety of residents. Making sure your home is up to date is not only an aesthetic choice, but it is a matter of health.
Building Materials
One of the largest health hazards that you will potentially find within your home can be found in the building materials used in the house. Depending on when certain aspects of the house were built, or the products that the builder decided on, you might come across illness-inducing materials like asbestos. Asbestos refers to a group of minerals used to fortify certain products. Be cautious of your potential exposure to asbestos while working with things like insulation, popcorn ceilings, drywall, and more. This is especially common if you’re working on a home built prior to 1979. Inhaling asbestos fibers can put you at risk for a devastating cancer known as mesothelioma.
Lead is another common material that you might come across while working on your home. Used for its anti-corrosion and preservation properties, lead is often found in things like old paint, pipes, glass or crystal, and even soil. Though it was banned for use in paint in the U.S. in 1978, it is estimated that millions of homes still contain lead based paint. If you are living in an older home with its original paint, you’ll want to assess your risk of exposure to lead before deciding on your renovation priorities. Paint isn’t the only culprit. Older plumbing systems and windows can also put your family at risk for lead exposure.
When it comes to identifying materials that may contain asbestos or lead, it is best to consult a professional. They’ll be able to perform the necessary tests and advise you how to best go about removing the toxic substances. While it might be an added expense, it’ll be necessary to figure into your renovation budget so you can keep you and your family safe for however long you’re in your home.
Electrical
Potential home health hazards are not only limited to toxic materials. You need to be cautious about the possibility of electrocution, and take the precautions necessary to avoid it. Being aware of what is a true electrical risk will help you stay attentive as you work around your home. Any open or frayed wires that you notice should be dealt with immediately and you should avoid touching them. Make sure your family knows of their location as well so they can steer clear. If you're working with a contractor, they should be able to acknowledge and avoid shock risks. If you’re renovating yourself you should be practicing electrical safety.
Another important area to check are the outlet connections. If they are loose or are not properly grounded, using the outlets can put you at risk of being shocked. They should also not be hot to the touch, or produce sparks. In terms of electrical appliances, they should be kept away from any major source of water. Products like hair dryers, irons, toaster ovens, and other home appliances should never be used in and around the bath, shower, or sink. This rule is less often thought of for your outdoor appliances. Keep things like string lights, radios, and electric lawn equipment away from swimming pools, ponds, or areas where water tends to collect.
Plumbing
Plumbing issues are typically thought of as a threat because of the possibility of property damage, but they can also have an impact on your health. If you’re checking out your plumbing systems, whether it be under the sinks, in the basement, or elsewhere, keep an eye out for leaks and corroded areas that could potentially turn into something serious. Plumbing issues can turn into health hazards in a few ways. One of the risks to your health comes from the extreme temperatures that your plumbing can produce, if you live in an area that gets very hot or very cold. Frozen pipes and over-heated water can both cause burns to the skin and result in serious injury. You may want to avoid working on your pipes until the weather is more mild.
Water sources or constantly damp areas in your home become a risk to your health specifically when the water saturates and stagnates in an area. Stagnant water can easily start to develop bacteria, and can even become a breeding ground for insects. Touching this water or potentially getting it in your eyes could cause an infection or rash. Similar risks are involved if you come into contact with waste water from your sewage or septic systems. Constantly damp areas, usually in a bathroom or basement, can end up growing mold. Mold is something you should be able to identify yourself, either by sight or smell. Exposure to mold can be dangerous to you and your family, especially for those with allergies or asthma. Inhaling mold spores can trigger coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and can exacerbate asthma.
Once you’ve decided to renovate your home, it is tempting to just get started. Renovating is a fun process where you get to be creative, spend time with your family and friends, and make your space your own. Plus, it's a great way to add value to your home. However, you need to make sure your home will be a safe place to live before you get started on all of the aesthetic changes. Coming across any of these hazards, while frustrating, will be beneficial to change in the long run and renovating can turn into an enjoyable experience for all.
