June 17, 2015

How to keep the air healthy during home remodeling Air Quality News from IQAir

Remodeling can make an older home feel new again. But home

remodeling can also fill the air with dangerous chemicals and

other contaminants that put your health at risk. That’s why it’s

important to protect your home’s Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

throughout the entire remodeling process:

1. Demolition – Ensuring that materials are properly disposed of.

2. Product selection – Researching the materials being used.

3. Installation/construction – Taking measures to control dust.

1. Demolition: Lead, asbestos, and other contaminants are a danger Demolition is generally the least pleasant and most dangerous step in remodeling, at least in terms

of IAQ. Dangerous pollutants are released by tearing out old drywall, masonry and flooring, and by

stripping and sanding paint. This is especially true for homes built before the late 1970s, when lead-

based paint and asbestos insulation were still commonly used in construction. Even in newer

homes, demolition can stir up harmful particulates, biological contaminants and volatile organic

compounds (VOCs). Hire only properly trained, certified professionals,

especially if you suspect that lead or asbestos are involved.

Solution: Seal off remodeling areas before you begin. If possible, seal off

interior doorways completely by taping two layers of thick polyethylene

plastic sheeting around the perimeter of the doorway. Try to enter the

room from the exterior only. Seal HVAC ducts by removing the covers,

stuffing towels inside and taping plastic over them.

2. Product selection: New products can release gases It’s fun to pick out new cabinets, countertops, flooring and paint. But when it comes to your home’s

IAQ, it’s important to focus on what those products are made of and how they will be installed. New

products and installation materials can release (“off-gas”) VOCs that can damage your home’s IAQ.

The sources of these VOCs can include caulks, sealants and coatings, paints, stains and varnishes.

Also, the components themselves — new carpeting, laminate and vinyl flooring, wall coverings and

pressed-wood cabinets — could off-gas VOCs for months or even years

to come.

Solution: Choose low- or no-VOC products. When selecting

components such as flooring, carpeting, countertops, cabinets and

paint, choose low- or no-VOC options. This will help prevent IAQ

problems in your home both during and after remodeling.

3. Installation/Construction: Dust can trigger breathing problems The installation of new components comes with its own IAQ issues. If materials such as stone, tile

and wood are cut inside the home, this can create dust that triggers breathing problems, runny nose

and watery eyes, especially in those with allergies. Some products, such as engineered stone made

with epoxy resin and chemical hardeners, can give off dust that is toxic.

Solution: Protect the indoor air from unnecessary contaminants. Ask your contractor to cut

flooring, countertop materials and tile outside so that most dust stays

outside as well. Also, to reduce levels of off-gassing from adhesives and

other chemicals, air out your home for at least three weeks after

remodeling. Whenever possible, open windows and use exhaust fans.

Leave windows open at least a crack at all times until the fumes are

gone.

The key is to plan ahead and pay attention to Indoor Air Quality at each

critical stage of remodeling. By doing this, you can help safeguard your

home’s IAQ throughout the remodeling process. Breathing clean air

during and after remodeling will help you stay healthy and happy as you

enjoy the many benefits of your home improvements.

This online publication is brought to you by The IQAir Group, which develops innovative air quality

solutions for indoor environments around the globe. IQAir is the exclusive educational partner of the

American Lung Association for the air purifier industry.

How to keep the air healthy during remodeling