When remodeling your home, both adults and children are often exposed to health risks. We can all become sick if we don’t take the necessary health precautions. Renovation Team, the trusted home improvement contractor, discusses how to protect your health during a home remodel.
Lead Poisoning
Homes built before 1978 are likely to contain lead-based paint. It’s a dangerous poison for all – most especially for children and pregnant women. We inhale or swallow lead dust and fumes from sanded or heated lead paint, and the lead damages our internal organs.
Lead in adults causes high blood pressure, kidney disease and nervous system problems. Those who didn’t practice safe removal of lead may develop serious lead poisoning. Moreover, pets are susceptible to lead poisoning, too. With children, lead causes lowered IQ, learning difficulties and behavior problems. Lead poisoning can also cause seizures, coma and even death in severe cases. Many home renovations like exterior siding installation can expose children to lead.
Carbon Monoxide
Fuel-burning appliances and cars emit carbon monoxide. It’s also worth noting that home renovation projects also pose carbon monoxide poisoning threats.
Paint strippers and solvents contain methylene chloride. It enters the body by inhaling the fumes or getting it on your skin. The body then changes some of it into carbon monoxide. Effects can range from dizziness and shortness of breath to heart attacks.
Renovation Team can prevent the dire effects of both carbon monoxide and lead. We use kits approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to test paint for lead content. If lead paint is present in renovations, we remove it. Effective since April 2010, contractors who remove lead-based paint must have certification. Homeowners should make it a point to request a copy of this certification.
For residential roofing services or home remodeling, turn to Renovation Team. We can turn your dream home into a reality – and a safe one to boot. Our service area includes St. Louis, St. Charles and the St. Louis metropolitan area. Call us at (314) 200-2228 for a free estimate.