Planning to Remodel? Flipping a House? Investigate Before You Renovate!
Are you planning to renovate your home or building? Whether you’re thinking about a major remodel or some minor modifications, you should be aware of the potential dangers of lead and asbestos. These are two harmful substances that were widely used in construction before people knew how harmful they were. In this blog post, we will explain why you need to test for lead and asbestos before starting any renovation work, and what are the health and legal/regulatory implications of not doing so.
Lead and asbestos can cause serious diseases if you are exposed to them. Lead was used in paint until 1978, and it can affect your nervous system, blood cells, and kidneys. Lead is especially dangerous to children 6 years old and younger, so you must be especially careful when working in homes with young kids. This is primarily because the dust made during a renovation can easily be inhaled or ingested by kids because they’re closer to the ground and they put there hands on their faces a lot. Asbestos was used in insulation, roofing, and other materials until the 1980s, and it can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. In fact, asbestos is still not banned in the United States, although it’s use and import is significantly lower than it used to be. We still find it quite frequently in joint compound (aka “drywall mud”) and construction glues (like for flooring, cove base, roof flashing, etc.).
When you renovate your home or building, you may disturb or damage these materials and release them into the air. If you breathe them in, you may develop symptoms such as headaches, nausea, coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Exposure to both of these chemicals adds up over time and the effects can be hidden for years. Kids can develop learning disorders from lead poisoning after even a brief exposure to high levels from construction, and mesothelioma is a common term now because of asbestos. Testing for lead and asbestos before renovation can help you identify any areas that need special care and protection.
Besides the health hazards, there are also legal/regulatory reasons to test for lead and asbestos before renovation. The EPA requires that any building built before 1978 be tested for lead before any renovation work begins. And OSHA requires that employers protect their workers from exposure to lead and asbestos. If you fail to comply with these regulations, you may face fines and lawsuits. Both regulatory agencies can hold homeowners and contractors accountable and the fines can quickly add up to more than the remodel would cost. An environmental test before you renovate can be considered an inexpensive form of insurance.
To sum up, testing for lead and asbestos before renovation is essential for your safety and compliance. You can avoid serious health problems and legal troubles by doing so. If you need more information or assistance, please contact us at (937) 803-3749. Or you can learn about the EPA’s Renovate Right program by visiting https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/documents/renovaterightbrochure.pdf.
References:
1) https://www.gleassociates.com/asbestos-testing/
2) https://www.avnergat.com/asbestos-and-lead-testing/
3) https://utilitiesone.com/lead-paint-and-asbestos-testing-and-inspection-services
4) https://www.epa.gov/pcbs/steps-safe-renovation-and-repair-activities