Cooperative Living July 2021 - 19

HealthyTake | Story courtesy of FamFamily Features
Make Health a Prior
DIY also means take care of yourself
W
hen you tackle a remodeling
project, there are many
unknowns, including what
types of hazardous materials you might
uncover.
The complete removal of all
hazardous materials is the preferred
approach, but budget is often a
hindrance. Thoroughly exploring your
options may reveal a lower level of
acceptable and more affordable
mitigation. It is always wise to consult
with trained professionals, such as
members of the National Association
of the Remodeling Industry, when
you encounter hazardous materials.
DEMOLITION
Most common residential hazardous
materials are not hazardous, if they
remain in a dormant or undisturbed
location. Typically, they become
hazardous during the demolition
phase when they are ground, cut,
bumped, scraped or disturbed in
some way, causing the materials to
become airborne and inhaled.
Examples include:
* Lead-based paint, which can be
found on anything that is painted
or varnished, such as windows,
millwork, cabinets, siding, walls
and other surfaces.
* Lead water lines, which are primarily
hazardous after water sits in the lines
for some time prior to consumption,
a
allthough contamination still occurs
du
ill
during normal flow rates.
* Asbestos, which was once commonly
uussed in a wide range of materials
ssuuch as pipe or duct insulation;
flfloooring tiles or sheet goods; ceiling
ttililes and plaster; wall and attic
iinnsulation; and plaster used as
a binder.
* SiSilica, which is exceptionally
ddaangerous during saw-cutting
pprrocesses that create dust.
co-opliving.com
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* Mold, which is not hazardous until
the spores are disturbed, become
airborne and are inhaled or ingested.
Any visible or detectable mold
should be removed, and the surfaces
cleaned or removed. High
concentrations of mold should be
addressed by trained professionals.
* Dust, which can be hazardous to
some individuals who are sensitive
or have breathing-related issues. Dust
barriers and negative air enclosures
can help minimize, but not eliminate,
dust contamination to the rest of the
home. Commercial dust " scrubber "
filtering systems can significantly
reduce dust contamination.
INSTALLATION
Once the existing hazardous
hazardous
materials are appropriately addressed,
home to replace or enhance the project.
you're likely to find many options for
For example, prefinished materials
varnished off site aid in the reduction
new materials will be placed in your
Due to strong demand by homeowners,
iately addressed,
placed in your
nhance the project.
by homeowners,
many
healthy products.
that can be painted, stained or
tained or
For example, prefinished materialsmaterials
in the reduction
nished
of on-site fumes and vapors.vapors.
Other products to look for when
look for when
options for
you're remodeling with health in mind
include:
* Low-volatile organic compounds,
which limit the amount of off-gassing
of the materials used in the
manufacturing process. Typically,
these are paints, stains, varnishes,
carpeting and vinyl products.
* Renewable products, which can be
replenished quickly.
* Heat recovery ventilation systems
that exchange the thermal qualities
of the interior air with fresh air
brought into the home.
* Air purification systems, which may
involve ozone, pleated filters, highmicron
filters, electrostatic filters or
UV light systems.
* Dehumidification systems designed
to keep humidity levels in a safe
range to prevent mold growth.
* Exhaust fans in baths, kitchens,
lower levels and workshops, installed
to discharge smells, smoke, fumes
and humidity.
* Radon systems designed to exhaust
radon gases to the exterior. 
Find more advice at remodelingdoneright.com.
July 2021 | Cooperative Living | 17
Priority When Remodeling
PHOTO
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http://www.remodelingdoneright.com http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living July 2021

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