Health Hazards To Watch for When Doing Home Construction

Keeping up with construction tasks around the house can help you maintain your property value and living standards. However, you need to watch for a few things when tearing into your home, especially if it’s old. Whether you’re putting down new flooring, replacing siding, or repairing your roof, many things can put you in harm’s way. Here are the most common health hazards to watch for when doing home construction.

Lead

In the past, homebuilders used lead for fuel, paint, and plumbing materials. While modern construction practices no longer use lead, it exists in many old homes across the US. Lead exposure has been found to cause ill health effects, including hypertension, anemia, and reproductive issues.

Knowing what to look for when doing construction at home will help you avoid lead exposure and the irreversible harm it can cause. Avoid eating or drinking in the construction area, and wash your face and hands thoroughly before eating or drinking anything after a hard day’s work. If you experience headaches, joint pain, cramps, or fatigue, consult a medical professional immediately.

Asbestos

While asbestos was used for thousands of years in the production of textiles, construction materials, and even ancient clothing, it was eventually discovered to cause severe respiratory and digestive issues. Colon cancer, lung cancer, and mesothelioma have all been linked to asbestos exposure.

While it’s impossible to determine whether you’ve been exposed to asbestos, the symptoms include a dry cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. There are probably quite a few facts you don’t know about asbestos. Learning what you can will help you stay safe during your next construction project.

Mold

Mold, mildew, and fungus exist everywhere in the natural world. They can even grow in your home, causing various health problems if you’re exposed to high volumes of spores. Most types of mold require high moisture levels to grow, making it essential to be careful around wet surfaces during home construction projects.

Wear a respirator to avoid inhaling dangerous bacteria or mold while working in your home. If you’re experiencing a cough, sneezing, runny nose, or watery eyes, it may be due to mold exposure. Luckily, many over-the-counter medications, nasal sprays, and allergy shots can ease these symptoms if you act quickly.

Prioritize Your Health and Safety

It’s easy to be impatient when tackling big construction projects. However, you shouldn’t blindly rip into walls or flooring, especially if they’re old or poorly maintained. With so many health hazards to watch for when doing construction, it can be challenging to stay safe. Knowing what to look for and how to deal with it will protect you from exposure or developing worse symptoms down the line.