October 2006
Health Notes:
Protect Indoor Air when Remodeling
New babies, growing kids and changing needs get us to thinking about fixing up or adding on to our houses. Yet while we are seeking improvements in lifestyle, we can be introducing health hazards into the home.
Indoor air quality during and after remodeling can be poor. Even under normal conditions, air inside our homes can be two to five times more polluted than air outside. When you add fumes from painting and gluing, dust from demolition and scraping, and the off-gassing of synthetic building products, you can have a house with very unhealthy air. This is of special concern for small children, pregnant women, people with allergies or asthma, older people, people who are chemically sensitive or people with health concerns. If you have sensitive individuals in the home, consider having them move out during a major remodel.
Following are some of the sources of indoor air pollution from home repair and what you can do to reduce them.
Painting Products – Paints, paint strippers and other solvents release chemicals into the air called “volatile organic compounds” or VOCs. VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation; headaches; loss of coordination; nausea; and damage to liver, kidneys and the central nervous system. Some compounds are suspected or known to cause cancer. Look for water-based paints and finishes that emit low or no VOCs. Avoid aerosol products.
Pressed Wood Products – These products, such as particleboard, MDF and fiberboard, are used in furniture, sub-flooring, cabinets and paneling, and can release formaldehyde glue vapors for many years. Formaldehyde exposure can cause symptoms similar to those from VOCs. Some people also experience severe allergic reactions, rashes and nose bleeds. Look for solid wood products instead, or ask your lumber store about the new alternatives that are being developed such as Medite II. Seal exposed pressed wood boards with water-based polyurethane.
Carpet Pads and Glues – Carpet padding
can contain formaldehyde (see above) and other VOCs. Ask for carpet and
carpet padding made without formaldehyde and for carpet that does not
need to be glued down. Ask if new carpets can be aired out before delivery.
Or choose area rugs instead, especially if you have family members with
asthma and allergies triggered by dust.
While You’re Remodeling
Speaking of dust, all that sawing, scraping and sanding from remodeling creates a lot of particles in the home that can trigger asthma attacks and may contain asbestos, lead (from lead-based paint used in homes built before 1978), and arsenic (from outdoor treated wood). During the project, isolate work areas from living spaces with plastic sheeting or zipper doors. If you have pets, keep them out of the work area so that they don’t track dust throughout the home. Shut off the air ducts in the work area and keep the rest of the home well ventilated.
A basic way to reduce tracked-in sawdust and mess is to purchase extra heavy-duty floor mats and place them inside and outside at each entrance door. Sweep work areas daily and vacuum frequently, using a high-efficiency filter. Wear a dust mask when cleaning up as well as when working. Set up box fans in windows to pull air outdoors and have a fresh air source open elsewhere.
If your home was built before 1978, it’s important – and easy – to test for lead paint with a kit from your paint store. Older homes are also likely to have asbestos in flooring, “popcorn” ceilings (used until 1978) or shingles. Consult with professionals to determine the best way to deal with asbestos or lead paint.
After You Remodel
If you can’t use solvent-free paints and other finishes,
keep out of a newly painted room until it has been aired for several days.
This is very important if you are pregnant or preparing a child’s
bedroom; children and fetuses are more affected by toxic chemicals because
their bodies are still developing.
After remodeling, change your furnace filters. Use the pleated paper high-efficiency
furnace filters. They capture many more particles than the typical fiberglass
filter. Ideally, you should change these filters every two or three months,
especially after remodeling. If dust accumulated in your furnace ducts,
you can have them cleaned.
Safely dispose of leftover hazardous materials from remodeling, including mercury-containing thermostats, fluorescent tubes and paints and solvents, at an appropriate hazardous waste facility. In Thurston County, call 360-786-5494 or visit www.co.thurston.wa.us/wwm. In Pierce County, call 1-800-287-6429 or visit www.co.pierce.wa.us, and click on “Public Works & Utilities.
To receive the free booklet “Breathe Easier: Do-it-Yourself Home Environmental Assessment List,” call Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, Environmental Health Division at 360-754-4111 or visit http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/ehkids/index.html.
Rachel Donnette is an educator
with the Thurston County Public Health and Social Services’ Environmental
Health Division.
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