Your material selection starts every building process. When renovating your kitchen or building your dream house, what you use can pay off. Some materials hold unhealthy chemicals for you, the planet, and even your wallet in the long term.
You deserve a home that is not just lovely but also healthy and secure.
These are the best tips to choose non-toxic products.
Be On the Lookout for These Potentially Hazardous Materials
Most building materials have toxic chemicals in them. Some of them that should be watched out for are:
- Formaldehyde: Usually in adhesives, plywood, and particleboard. An established carcinogen causes respiratory disease.
- Lead-based Paint: Exposure to lead is harmful, particularly to children.
- Asbestos: It is used in the insulation and floor covering of older homes, and can lead to severe lung disease.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs emit poisonous fumes over time, prevalent in paint, sealants, and adhesives.
Make it a point to read the labels on products. Ask your suppliers or contractors what they are bringing into your job, and make them tell you. If they don’t know what the product contains, it is a red flag.
Be Mindful of Safer Options
For finishing and painting, apply zero-VOC or low-VOC paint. Substitute solid wood or formaldehyde-free board for pressed wood products.
Paint metal or concrete using water-based epoxy primer rather than solvent primers. It offers good adhesion and protection and releases no deadly fumes.
Be Careful with Construction Chemicals
Current building work is more frequently than not involved in changing construction chemicals to provide strength, water resistance, or adhesion. They are seals, adhesives, grouts, and coatings. Though very convenient, some of them contain chemicals that are poisonous when inhaled or come in contact with the skin where they are used.
Select products containing all the ingredients openly disclosed and with environmental certificates. In case you are uncertain, request the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) so that you can visualize the possible health risks. At best, request your contractor to break down the function of each chemical applied and whether there is a safer substitute.
Hire the Right People
Your selection of materials is highly impacted by contractors, suppliers, and engineers. Work with individuals who are as concerned as you are about toxic-free living. Interview and ask questions before you hire:
A good contractor will never turn you down for asking questions. Instead, they’ll educate and direct you towards better options.
Make Better Indoor Air Quality
Most of staying safe from toxic chemicals is having clean indoor air. VOC products will drive off-gassing vapors for months or years.
To stay safe:
- Ventilate highly during and after building.
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters.
- Allow newly painted spaces or newly furnished spaces to “off-gas” for several days before occupancy.
Wrapping Up
Being wise when it comes to building materials is about making better and better decisions step by step. Your bright actions today will result in something beneficial for your home someday. You’re creating a healthy, long-term space. Make decisions that align with that vision, because your body is worth it.
