For allergy sufferers, remodeling a home is not simply a matter of deciding what improvements to make, allocating funds, and going through the hassle of inhabiting a half-constructed living space. Rather, home renovation can lead to allergy and asthma attacks and the aggravation of multiple chemical sensitivities. However, because many aspects of a home’s construction can either cause allergies (such as lots of wall-to-wall carpeting) or help prevent them (like hardwood flooring), home renovation, with the help of a professional, can improve not only the home itself but also the health of its occupants. For projects that involve working at heights or require enhanced safety planning, visiting https://fallprotect.com.au/ can provide valuable insights into reliable and compliant fall protection solutions.

Installing drop arm awnings can also be a great way to reduce allergens and create a comfortable outdoor space, thereby improving overall air quality. By blocking out direct sunlight and reducing heat buildup, they can also prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which are common allergens. Taking precautions and following suggestions made by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ensures that an allergy sufferer’s remodeling projects do not compromise efforts of allergen avoidance.

Floors

When choosing flooring, stay away from wall-to-wall carpeting, which traps allergens such as dust mite allergen, pollen, and pet dander. Bare floors like hardwood oak, laminate, tile, slate, linoleum, or vinyl are better choices for allergy sufferers, because they can be thoroughly washed. There are no places for allergens to hide! When installing hardwood flooring, be aware that certain finishes can trigger chemical sensitivities as well as asthma and allergies. Many stains, varnishes, and sealants are quite toxic, and their fumes can linger long after they have been applied to the flooring. Breathing these fumes is not healthy for anyone, allergy sufferer or not. Choose pre-finished hardwood floors or use low-VOC products if they must be used. Don’t remain in the house while these products are being applied, and refrain from returning until the odor has dissipated. Ventilate thoroughly and use an air purifier fitted with carbon filtration to help absorb any remaining VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

Walls

VOCs are also an issue with plywood wall paneling, particleboard, fiberboard, and insulation. Chemicals used during the making and installation of these materials can irritate your skin and respiratory tract. Products such as glass-mesh cement “backer” boards can lead to excessive debris when installed and should be avoided, if possible, to prevent inhalation hazards. A respirator or mask, as well as goggles, should always be worn when working with these materials, especially if sanding, sawing, or tearing them down. Again, ventilation including a fan or air mover blowing toward the outside, and use of an industrial air purifier is important in clearing out dust and fumes. The following wall-related materials can release VOCs into your home environment:

• Plaster and drywall
• Manufactured wood products, including particleboard, plywood, and composite board
• Paint, resin, and varnish
• Organic or rubber solvents
• Putty, sealants, and caulks
• Wallpaper
• Vinyl floor coverings
• Synthetic carpeting, padding, and adhesives
• Drapery
• Cleaning products

Older Homes

When working on older homes, it’s very important to be aware of the additional hazards posed by buildings built before certain health concerns were noted. Asbestos and lead are two of the most common health concerns when working with homes built before or around 1970. Asbestos was often used to insulate pipes and to make ceiling and floor tiles. If you suspect your home may contain asbestos, DO NOT attempt to remove it yourself. Instead, hire a professional asbestos removal service. If your home contains lead paint, this should also be removed, especially if young children live in your home. Chips from lead paint pose a hazard to small children who may eat them. Dust from lead paint is also hazardous. Prolonged exposure to lead can cause brain damage. As with asbestos, consult a professional. Do not attempt to solve the problem yourself. Homeowners looking for a fast solution can also request a cash offer for your home to handle needed repairs and hazards more efficiently.

Minimizing Dust and Fumes

Dust and fumes are the two major concerns for allergy and asthma sufferers remodeling their homes. Take the following steps to reduce their impact:

• Hang plastic sheeting over the doorways of the areas being worked on in the house. Leave this barrier in place until the remodeled area is finished. When you remove it, don’t carry it through the house, which will introduce particles into your indoor air; rather, make a chute through a window and toss the sheeting outside.
• When entering the area being worked on, wear protective clothing, a HEPA mask or respirator, and goggles. This will minimize your exposure to dust, fumes, and particles that could aggravate your symptoms.
• Once your project is finished, ventilate for at least three weeks. It can take a considerable amount of time for dust to settle and for fumes to dissipate. Leave windows in the area open at least a crack. Plan to perform remodeling tasks during times of the year when it’s not too cold or too hot to leave windows open. Set up fans blowing outward to help air out the space.

Home renovations, especially those aimed at removing hazardous materials from your home or replacing allergy-causing materials, such as carpeting, with more allergy-friendly options like hardwood flooring, can be of great benefit to allergy and asthma sufferers. And when proper precautions are taken to prevent undue exposure to fumes, dust, and other symptom-inducing substances, remodeling projects can be safe even for those with allergies, asthma, and multiple chemical sensitivities. In all your undertakings, education and preparation will keep you breathing better.

Be sure to check out our other blog posts for more tips and tricks on how to stay healthy all season long!