Guest post courtesy of:

Brian Turner
Toxic Substance Safety Advocate

Home renovations can be a lot of fun. When a home needs a face-lift  it can be more affordable to use the DIY approach. While there are many advantages to a DIY approach, it’s also important to acknowledge the many dangers. Understanding that there is the potential to stir up asbestos, breath in vapors and even damage eardrums will make it easier to recognize the importance of the proper safety equipment.

Perhaps the most dangerous chemical that can be exposed in home renovation is asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can lead to a cancer known as mesothelioma. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides information about asbestos and where it can be found and how to avoid it whenever possible. As long as it’s not disturbed it doesn’t pose a threat. However, when it is disturbed in a DIY project, it can expose everyone in the home.

Just as it’s important to wear a dual cartridge respirator when sawing and sanding because of the various fibers, it’s important to do so with dry wall, insulation and anywhere else that asbestos is suspected. There are tests that can be run by professionals to test for the presence of asbestos. This can be a good idea to determine whether it’s best to let professionals handle the renovation or if it is still a good DIY project.

The various respirators can be purchased at any home improvement store. There are cartridges that go into them and they have a finite life span. It’s important to know when the cartridges have to be replaced to ensure they are doing the job they are supposed to.

When it comes to breathing in vapors, such as those of paint thinner, polyurethane and other chemicals, there are precautions to be taken as well. A respirator can be worn but that only protects the lungs. The eyes should also be protected, which means wearing goggles.

Many of the chemicals also warn about the product being a skin irritant. Gloves should be worn as well. There are some gloves that cover more than just the hand and can be advantageous to offer the highest level of protection.

Some home renovation projects include using some very loud equipment. Holding an electric saw, a jack hammer or anything else can cause damage to the eardrums. There are various earplugs and headpieces that can offer ear protection. Each different plug will say how much protection it offers so it’s important to buy the right level.

Accidents happen during DIY projects all the time. It’s critical to stay informed about all the risks before getting started. Reading about asbestos and checking out the MSDS sheets on all chemicals can go a long way in preventing any unnecessary exposure. A DIY project can save a lot of money but if it puts everyone’s health at risk, there wasn’t actually any saving involved. There are ways to protect one’s self against the dangers but it involves knowing what to wear and when. Safety gear was created to be used, so that’s all one has to do.

Guest post courtesy of:

Brian Turner
Toxic Substance Safety Advocate

Brian Turner has been working with the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance as an environmental health and toxic substance safety advocate since June of 2007. Brian brings a tremendous amount of research and awareness experience in environmental health risks, environmental carcinogens, and green building expertise. Brian is very interested in all types of cars; his favorites are classic, muscle, and imports. Brian is commonly found playing and watching various sports with his friends.

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