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Safe Kitchen Remodeling (2)
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Living in an old house and ready to remodel? Avoid mold and lead related problems before starting any major remodeling project in your house.
Living in an old house and ready to remodel? Avoid mold and lead related problems before starting any major remodeling project in your house.
If you live in an old house or condominium look for hidden problems before starting any remodeling project. Look for mold growth and lead paint before starting any major work.
Wall Damaged by Mold
Mold
It is common at one time or another to have water infiltrations in old houses. The water can come from leaking pipes, penetrate from the roof, or seep up into the walls from underground. The presence of moisture on organic materials, such as paper or wood, is the perfect condition for mold growth. Mold will develop in few days and will spread its spores into the air. Mold spore are already present in the atmosphere all around us, but when mold grows in an enclosed space the concentration of spores becomes much higher than normal.
It is common at one time or another to have water infiltrations in old houses. The water can come from leaking pipes, penetrate from the roof, or seep up into the walls from underground. The presence of moisture on organic materials, such as paper or wood, is the perfect condition for mold growth. Mold will develop in few days and will spread its spores into the air. Mold spore are already present in the atmosphere all around us, but when mold grows in an enclosed space the concentration of spores becomes much higher than normal.
Generally mold is not dangerous to most people, unless is widespread in a permanent and pervasive way, but if you or someone in your family suffers from asthma or allergies, mold spores canhttp://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/epi/moldrpt1.shtml affect your health. More so if the mold is the infamous stachybotris: Its spores contain a very dangerous toxin and stachybotris spores can cause all sorts of health problems, from flu like symptoms to, in the worst cases, chronic bronchitis, heart and lung problems and more.
If you discover mold and the extent is very limited you may be able to remove it yourself, but if the mold damage is extensive you may need to call a specialized mold remediation company. Before doing so, browse the Internet and you will find many very informative sites such as the NYC Department of Health.
If you discover mold and the extent is very limited you may be able to remove it yourself, but if the mold damage is extensive you may need to call a specialized mold remediation company. Before doing so, browse the Internet and you will find many very informative sites such as the NYC Department of Health.
Lead
Lead was used as a pigment in oil based paint, in homes built before 1978. Many older homes contain leaded paint: It may be on any interior or exterior walls, particularly on doors, windows and woodwork in general. If you live in an older house and you are planning to renovate, consider having the paint tested for lead before starting the work. This is particularly important if infants, children, or pregnant women are present.
Lead based paint is a major source of lead poisoning for children and can also affect adults with terrible effects that go from brain damage to developmental and learning disabilities. Eating paint chips is believed to be one way kids are exposed to lead, but it is not the most frequent. Lead paint decays into smaller peels and chips that fall on the floor and create lead dust.
The dust can settle on floors, walls, and furniture. Walking through the house, operating doors and windows, sweeping and vacuuming, can spread lead dust in the air. Kids, and also adults, can ingest and inhale lead in this way. The best way to prevent lead poisoning is to have good hygiene, washing hands often, cleaning hard surfaces with wet rags, and use a HEPA vacuum to clean carpets.
Once you start renovation, lead dust will be also generated by sanding and scrubbing lead-based paint, therefore testing for lead before starting is very important and if you have lead in the house use all precautions and a specialized contractor.
On the Internet net you will find plenty of information on lead from many sites including the NY State Dpt. of Health or even Lowes. The safest to handle lead paint is not to undertake removal on your own. Contact your local health department for for help in identifying qualified contractors experienced in lead removal.
The dust can settle on floors, walls, and furniture. Walking through the house, operating doors and windows, sweeping and vacuuming, can spread lead dust in the air. Kids, and also adults, can ingest and inhale lead in this way. The best way to prevent lead poisoning is to have good hygiene, washing hands often, cleaning hard surfaces with wet rags, and use a HEPA vacuum to clean carpets.
Once you start renovation, lead dust will be also generated by sanding and scrubbing lead-
On the Internet net you will find plenty of information on lead from many sites including the NY State Dpt. of Health or even Lowes. The safest to handle lead paint is not to undertake removal on your own. Contact your local health department for for help in identifying qualified contractors experienced in lead removal.
