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Article:

Chemicals

Building and renovating

If you are building or renovating try to minimise the harm that many materials and chemicals can have on our health and safety.

During renovating you can be exposed to a range of products including paints, solvents, varnishes, preservatives, pesticides, oils and sealants which may contain toxic chemicals, especially VOCs.

Easy things you can do include:

• Using less toxic products, e.g. use paints, varnishes and glues with a low or no VOC content, or those that are water-based – VOCs are found in many paints and cleaning agents and they contribute to air pollution, which is linked to asthma and other breathing problems
• Taking precautions if there is the risk of lead contamination from old lead-based paint or from lead dust in ceiling cavities
• Asking for building materials and supplies that have the least amount of formaldehyde and other VOCs – toxic fumes can come from unexpected sources like new carpet and cabinets
• Asking for carpeting that meets standards for indoor air quality established by the Carpet and Rug Institute – once a carpet is installed thoroughly air your house for at least 48 hours
• For decks and playground equipment, use reclaimed cedar or redwood, which is naturally resistant to fungus and insects – or use recycled plastic – ask about these products at your home improvement store
• Paint strippers contain highly dangerous solvents, including methylene chloride, that give off toxic fumes and burn on contact with the skin. Less toxic products are available from some suppliers but if you have no choice, try to work outdoors with proper protection, or indoors in a well-ventilated area
• Avoid using "green-treated" timber, which is treated with the toxic compound copper chromium arsenate (CCA). In particular, don't use it for eating surfaces on picnic tables or children's play equipment. Clean up all scraps and sawdust from treated wood and dispose of it properly – it should go to a lined landfill or licensed waste incinerator. Treated wood should not be burned at home in bonfires, stoves or fireplaces

For more information and tips, visit the DIY Safe website and use the Do-it-yourself Safely Easy Guide.