What to watch out for when you are remodeling: A CDC Warning

Remodeling is no easy task, particularly if you have limitations with older homes. One of the main concerns of most homeowners is dealing with dust or mold. Asbestos is a prime example of why you always must protect yourself when conducting any sort of demolition renovation project. Inhaling asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma, a deadly, fast-moving cancer. This can be prevented with proper precautions while making over your home. If you plan on doing some major overhauling, pay careful attention to the chemicals and particles that you come in contact with and always wear safety gear.

1. Safety and Prevention
When doing any sort of work that will create particles, such as sanding the floor, insulating the attic or just knocking down a wall, you need to wear protective face masks, hand guards, long sleeve shirts, long pants and thick sole boots. In addition, you always want to quarantine parts of your house so that as you work, if you happen to encounter spore particles or kick up dust, it won’t travel to other parts of your home and get in your furniture. With that in mind, use large plastic or fabric sheets to block off other parts of your home, cover furniture and protect floors when renovating.

2. How to Spot Asbestos and Other Problems
One of the main reasons that people live with asbestos for so long is because they can’t see it. The only way to know if you have asbestos is if a licensed professional treats the area. However, asbestos is frequently found in homes built between 1930 and 1950 or homes that use Fibro siding, which was made up until the 1990s. Asbestos is also not the only thing you want to worry about when remodeling. Molds can also cause serious health issues. According to the CDC, common mold spores can be found in most homes, particularly those that reside in humid areas. However, if you notice a greenish-black mold when remodeling or a significant smell, you may have a much larger problem and need a licensed contractor to remove the mold from the home. In this case, it’s better to stop all renovations until you know what kind of mold you’re dealing with.

3. Why Being Vigilant and Wearing Protective Gear is Important
There are a variety of lung cancers and diseases associated with particle dust, spores and mold problems. Over time, exposure to lots of dust and mold can have serious effects on the human body. For those with prolonged exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma is almost certain. This cancer spreads from the lungs to the chest to other parts of the body, but it is not always malignant. In addition, emphysema, COPD and other upper respiratory diseases are caused by mold and particle dust. Not to mention, for persons with allergies, living in a home with dust or mold will be unbearable.

4. What to Do If You Suspect a Problem
If you spot any type of suspicious growth during demolition or if you smell something particularly musky and foul, it’s time to call a licensed contractor. Before you start working, check to see when the house was built and also note what kind of siding materials were used to build your home. You may need to contact an asbestos specialist to test your home. If you do have asbestos or serious mold problems, it’s best to have them removed professionally and halt all renovations until finished.

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