I recently wrote a blog addressing the love between women and their power tools. It’s no surprise that studies show women currently are undertaking the majority of household remodeling projects. However, like everything in life, there is a flipside to this positive statistic. One of the negative parts of remodeling that workers at home improvement stores are reluctant to speak about is the fact that the materials used to remodel, build, or just repaint could have a dramatic impact on your health.
But the blame doesn’t sit solely on the people who sell the products—many of us who are remodeling our homes and rehabbing our offices may just be focusing on the end project and how good they will look, but neglecting to consider how construction projects are affecting the environment and our own health.
In doing so we may use paints that contain toxic chemicals and insulation that contains formaldehyde or fiberglass instead of opting for “green” — or eco friendly products. Your local home improvement store may not be prominently featuring the new products, but rest assured environmentally friendly materials are part of a cutting edge movement sweeping the nation as more and more people grasp the impact of their indoor environments. Studies show Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors. And research indicates the air we breathe inside can be extremely toxic – up to 100 times more toxic than the air outdoors.
Did you know infectious molds and bacteria are commonly found in construction materials? That chemicals including formaldehyde and dioxin can be found in adhesives, carpeting, and upholstery paints. All of these can emit fumes for months or years–even if we can’t smell them.
In fact a recent study conducted by leading allergy and asthma specialists led one doctor to remark: “The impact of occupational asthma is bigger than we realize.” But, could the green movement be the answer? Allergists say: “The more we know about triggers, the more we can prevent those. And that’s key to treating asthma and allergies.”
The good news is there are more green options available on the market. From insulation made out of recycled denim, counters from crushed recycled stoplights and concrete, and floors made from flax seed… there are even waterless urinals that save half a million gallons of water a year. Manufacturers of “green” products say they use less energy, the air quality is better, and there’s more natural light.
Related Articles:
Going Green-Part 1: What is A Green Home?
Going Green Part 2—“Green” Paint